“Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into health biotechnologies marks a new era for Filipino healthcare, and we are proud to contribute towards that vision through our support for researchers who continue to develop these technologies,” said Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya,  during the 2025 National Biotechnology Week held from October 28 to 30, 2025, at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

Carrying the theme,  “#gAInBiotech: Growing Artificial Intelligence, Nurturing Biotechnology,” the DOST-PCHRD showcased its supported biotechnology projects that demonstrate how AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy, refine nutrition assessment, and develop innovative solutions for emerging and re-emerging diseases. These projects reflect the growing capacity of Filipino researchers to integrate scientific knowledge with emerging technologies that address public health needs. 

One of the featured innovations was the Artificial Intelligence Nutrition Assistant (AINA), developed by the DOST – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). AINA uses image recognition technology to identify Filipino food items and automate dietary assessments. Through a mobile application, it generates nutrition data based on local food patterns, offering valuable insights into national dietary behavior for both users and policymakers.

Another project, the Early Cancer Detection in the Liver of Filipinos with Chronic Hepatitis B Using AI-Driven Integration of Clinical and Genomic Biomarkers (CANDLE) Study, led by the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, integrates genetic, imaging, and clinical information to enable earlier detection of liver cancer. By developing an AI-powered data repository, researchers are equipping physicians with tools to make timely, evidence-based decisions for patient care.

The PASYENTE Project of UP Mindanao also drew attention for its clinical decision support system for dengue management. By identifying disease patterns and predicting disease progression, the system allows healthcare workers to respond more accurately, even in areas with limited resources.

Meanwhile, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) presented biotechnology-based tools to combat antimicrobial resistance through the Inter-Regional Network, utilizing the One Health Approach. Their work includes developing bacteriophage therapies and DNA biosensors to detect and manage antibiotic-resistant infections, contributing to national efforts to address the overuse of antibiotics.

UP Manila, on the other hand, introduced the Enhanced Digital Image Analysis System for the Assisted Pathologic Evaluation of Selected Disease Conditions. This AI-driven system supports pathologists in evaluating disease samples with greater precision and efficiency, enabling medical specialists to devote more time to complex cases.

Dr. Montoya emphasized that these projects represent only the beginning of what AI can achieve in healthcare. “Integrating AI into health biotechnologies allows researchers to process large amounts of data efficiently, detect patterns that may not be visible through traditional methods, and support timely medical decisions,” he said. Dr. Montoya also noted that the Council remains committed to supporting similar studies that incorporate AI elements to develop innovative healthcare systems, thereby reinforcing the DOST-PCHRD’s mission of improving the lives of Filipinos through health research.