DOST-ASTI, TUP Visayas spur localized impact of AI through Project TALINO-P

15 Sep 2023 4:50 PM

Talisay City, Negros Occidental PH The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute recently concluded an intensive four-day Training on Artificial Intelligence with Localized Implementation for Negros Occidental and Panay (Project TALINO-P) from 22-25 August 2023 at Technological University of the Philippines Visayas. 

Organized in collaboration with the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine (ASTI-ALaM) Project, the training workshop attracted more than 50 researchers, educators, and officials from various universities across Negros Occidental and the Panay region. 

DOST-ASTI technical experts Mr. Elmer C. Peramo (third from right), Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr (third from left), with (L-R) AI Engineers Samuel Harrison P. Cerrudo, Aunhel John M. Adoptante, Moses L. Visperas, and Dhon Xean S. Bobis served as resource speakers and AI project consultants in the recently concluded Training on Artificial Intelligence with Localized Implementation for Negros Occidental and Panay (Project TALINO-P). 

Project TALINO-P covered high-level discussions in machine learning, artificial neural networks, natural language processing, language modeling, computer vision, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), data collection using the photo-sharing application Kooha, annotation, hyperparameter tuning, attention mechanisms and transformers, large language models, and AI on edge devices--, with an emphasis on real-time applications.  

The workshop also included practical laboratory exercises using DOST-ASTI’s Computing and Archiving Research Environment (COARE) High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility. S&T Fellow Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr. demonstrated practical applications of AI on edge devices. 

Mr. Peramo covered topics in Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Network, Computer Vision and CNNs, Hyperparameter Tuning, and leveraging pre-trained models. 

The impact and potential of AI were extensively discussed in the context of disaster risk management, agriculture, aquaculture, and the agro-industry during the project consultations. Technical experts and engineers from ASTI-ALaM and iTANONG Projects shared their insights into the project proposals of the attendees, reinforcing the development and implementation of AI use cases across the region. 

In his closing remarks, Engr. Ace Zander C. Antonio, Head of Research Services of TUPV, emphasized the importance of pooling together researchers from different institutions in Negros Occidental and Panay interested in AI and the formation of a consortium for developing AI models that could benefit industries common in the region, such as sugarcane farming and aquaculture, which would eventually be tied up with larger national-scale initiatives. 

DOST-ASTI's participation in Project TALINO-P demonstrates its commitment to fostering R&D initiatives, fueling scientific progress, and technological advancement through shared knowledge and open innovation. This training workshop paves the way for future partnerships to create a more sustainable adaptive Philippine AI landscape.