NRCP Experts Lead AI, Data Analytics Training for DOST
Advancing data-driven governance and responsible artificial intelligence in the public sector took center stage as more than 80 personnel from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) participated in the Statistical Framework Training Workshop on July 1–2, 2026. Through the collaborative efforts of the DOST Planning and Evaluation Service (PES) and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) under the NRCP Expert Engagement Program (NEEP), participants gained practical skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and AI governance.
Distinguished NRCP member-experts delivered lectures and hands-on workshops on statistical analysis, AI governance, and data visualization, equipping DOST personnel with essential tools for data-driven planning and informed decision-making.
The two-day workshop featured distinguished NRCP member-experts who equipped DOST personnel with practical knowledge and emerging digital tools to strengthen data-driven governance and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the Department.
Leading the first day’s sessions, Dr. Josephine Bernadette Benjamin, Regular Member of NRCP Division of Mathematical Sciences, introduced participants to the DOST statistical framework and the principles of data analysis and interpretation. Through discussions on data collection methodologies, statistical techniques, and data quality assessment, participants enhanced their ability to generate reliable evidence for planning, monitoring, and policy formulation. The session also provided hands-on training on SPSS, enabling participants to apply statistical analyses to real-world datasets.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Mideth Abisado, Regular Member of NRCP Division of Mathematical Sciences, highlighted the importance of AI governance, data governance, and the ethical use of emerging technologies in the public sector. Through interactive workshops and group exercises, participants developed AI use assessment matrices —reinforcing the principle that while AI can enhance productivity and decision-making, human oversight, accountability, and ethical governance remain indispensable.
On the second day, Dr. Bobby Gerardo, Regular Member of NRCP Division of Engineering and Industrial Research, showcased how advanced analytics, business intelligence, and machine learning can transform government data into actionable insights. Using SPSS, Looker Studio, and WEKA, participants explored predictive analytics, dashboard development, AI-assisted reporting, and data visualization techniques before applying these tools to actual datasets. The workshop culminated in group presentations, where participants demonstrated end-to-end data analytics workflows and proposed evidence-based insights to support organizational planning and decision-making.
In his closing message, Dr. Cezar R. Pedraza, Director of the DOST Planning and Evaluation Service (PES), emphasized the importance of continuously building data analytics capabilities to enable more responsive, evidence-based, and innovation-driven governance across the Department.
Through the NRCP Expert Engagement Program (NEEP), NRCP continues to connect the country’s scientific experts with government institutions, helping build a more data-driven, AI-ready, and evidence-informed public sector in partnership with DOST-PES. (Mary Charlotte Fresco)
