PANGLAO, BOHOL – Filipino AI experts from the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) took the stage at the 10th International Symposium on Multimedia and Communication Technology (ISMAC 2025), held from 20-22 August at the Henann Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol. The team presented three groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at solving some of the country's most persistent problems: urban traffic congestion, food security in aquaculture, and emergency vehicle response times. 

The presentations underscore DOST-ASTI's mission-driven approach to research and development, which focuses on translating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and communication technologies into practical, real-world tools. This work moves beyond theoretical concepts to create solutions specifically tailored for the unique conditions of the Philippines. 

DOST-ASTI Director Dr. Franz A. de Leon outlines DOST-ASTI’s vision to democratize AI technology and empower innovators across the Philippines during his keynote address at the 10th International Symposium on Multimedia and Communication Technology (ISMAC 2025). (Left photo courtesy of Makerlab Electronics) 

 

Teaching AI to See Philippine Roads 

In Metro Manila, traffic is a daily struggle. Efforts to manage the daily congestion with smart traffic systems have not taken off, largely because these systems are not optimized for local conditions. One key reason? They aren't designed to recognize uniquely Filipino vehicles like the public utility jeepney (PUJ). Research presented by the Nexus for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (DOST-NAIRA) Project tackles this problem head-on. The team developed a new method for processing video data that effectively teaches AI to accurately see and count the diverse mix of vehicles on Philippine roads. This is a crucial first step toward building intelligent traffic management systems that can truly ease congestion. 

Senior Science Research Specialist Elmer C. Peramo discusses the DOST-NAIRA Project's work on developing AI that can recognize local vehicles to create smarter traffic management systems. 

 

AI for More Sustainable Farms 

In the critical sector of aquaculture, ensuring that fish and shrimp get the right amount of food is a constant challenge, especially in murky water where visibility is low. This can lead to wasted feeds and environmental issues. S&T Fellow Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr. introduced a novel AI-powered imaging technique called "Concentric Cluster Analysis." His method allows farmers to "see" the distributed feed on an underwater tray with far greater accuracy. This technology promises to make Filipino aquaculture more efficient and sustainable, directly contributing to the nation's food security. 

S&T Fellow Engr. Eduardo D. Piedad Jr. explains how his novel AI-powered imaging technique can help make Philippine aquaculture more sustainable and secure. 

 

Clearing a Path to Save Lives 

Every second counts when an ambulance or fire truck is racing to an emergency, but traffic often stands in the way. Engr. Ramon Vann Cleff B. Raro of the ADVENTUS Project presented research that could change that. His study empirically tested which communication technology is most reliable for allowing emergency vehicles to "talk" to traffic lights and automatically get a green light. The findings provide a clear, data-backed recommendation for building life-saving smart transportation systems that can create "green corridors" for emergency responders, ultimately saving lives. 

Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Ramon Vann Cleff B. Raro presents findings from the ADVENTUS Project on creating life-saving 'green corridors' for emergency responders using smart communication technology. 

 

Part of a National Vision 

These innovations are not happening in a vacuum. In his keynote address at the symposium, DOST-ASTI Director Dr. Franz A. de Leon explained that these projects are prime examples of the national AI strategy in action. He detailed how initiatives like ACABAI-PH program and the DOST-NAIRA project are building a "national launchpad" to empower more Filipino scientists to create such impactful, locally-relevant technologies. 

"Our goal is to democratize AI," said Dr. de Leon. "We are building the infrastructure and platforms so that the next great idea—whether it comes from a university lab, a startup, or a government agency—has the tools it needs to become a reality." 

DOST-ASTI's strong showing at ISMAC 2025 demonstrates that the future of Philippine technology is not just about adopting global trends, but about creating homegrown solutions. By focusing on tangible problems on the nation's farms, city streets, and highways, Filipino researchers are proving that science and technology are powerful tools for building a smarter, safer, and more resilient Philippines. 

ISMAC 2025 brings together local and international experts, providing a key platform for the Filipino AI community to share innovations and foster global collaborations. (Photo courtesy of UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute) 

 

About ISMAC 2025 

The International Symposium on Multimedia and Communication Technology (ISMAC) is a premier gathering for researchers and industry experts from Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond. Now in its 10th year, the symposium serves as a vital platform for presenting new and advanced technologies in multimedia, signal processing, and communication systems, fostering international collaboration and promoting research and education in these critical fields.