BIZ BUZZ: DTI turns to AI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is using artificial intelligence to tackle consumer and business concerns.

The DTI announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese firm Rinna Co. Ltd. to unveil Project Trina (Trade and Industry Assistant), the agency’s first AI-powered assistant aimed at improving government services.

The agency said this one-stop, seamless support tool would reduce the need for in-person visits or manual searching.

Featuring a 24/7 conversational AI avatar, Trina will handle queries related to trade, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development, consumer rights and investment policies.

It can simulate human interaction in English and Filipino through voice-enabled and emotionally intelligent responses, helping users with limited digital literacy.

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“With Project Trina, we are introducing a new technology that allows people to access DTI services anytime, in a way that feels as natural as talking to a real person, breaking down barriers for users who may not be tech-savvy,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

Here’s hoping that specialized AI assistants will deliver on their promise to facilitate virtual license applications, new business registrations or consumer complaints, as the DTI envisions.