Unlocking Growth and Leadership Through AI Innovation

AI has moved from being the next big thing to becoming a core part of business growth and leadership today.

At SaaScon PH 2025, we kicked off an insightful day with a powerhouse panel diving deep into how AI is redefining business strategy and innovation in the Philippines.

Moderated by Sprout’s CEO and Co-Founder Patrick Gentry, the panel featured two industry leaders on the frontlines of change:

• Victor Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT
• Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations & Inclusion Officer at RCBC, and Chairman of the FinTech Alliance

Together, they explored AI’s real-world impact on business growth, regulation, infrastructure, and talent readiness: and what it really takes to thrive in this new era.

Both Genuino and Villanueva agreed that the Philippines is not just keeping up with the AI trend. In fact, we’re charging ahead.

Villanueva shared that 89% of Filipino executives believe they must equip themselves with AI capabilities, even higher than the global average of 79%. From banking to healthcare to fintech, AI adoption is happening across every sector and we’re just scratching the surface.

Genuino added insights from a recent survey of 900 CIOs in Asia Pacific:

• 17% are starting their AI journey.
• 39% are rolling out AI projects within the next 12 months.
• 44% are already integrating AI into their operations.

Despite challenges in digital adoption, Filipino businesses are embracing AI faster than expected. This highlights an opportunity to drive innovation and leadership in the region.

Before anyone can harness AI’s full potential, Genuino emphasized two critical building blocks: clean data and data governance.

Without well-structured, accessible, and secure data, AI projects will struggle, or worse, fail.

“It really starts with data—having to figure out, where is my data stored? How is it structured? Where is it kept? How am I gonna pull it? How am I gonna use it?” Genuino said.

It’s why Sprout Solutions, for example, invests heavily in making sure our HR and Payroll platforms help companies organize, protect, and unlock their employee data safely.

Genuino also stressed the urgent need for clear data localization and sovereignty rules. While neighboring Southeast Asian countries already have strict frameworks, the Philippines is still catching up.

Getting this right would help attract more global investors and build a safer, more innovative digital economy.

However, setting strong foundations through data is only one part of the journey. Building the right regulatory environment is just as important to help businesses grow with confidence.

As AI adoption grows, clear and supportive regulation is becoming critical for business success.

Villanueva shared that several Philippine agencies, including the BSP, DTI, NEDA, and the Supreme Court, are drafting guidelines to manage AI responsibly across industries.

He highlighted the proposal for an AI Development Authority (AIDA), aimed at creating a unified framework for AI governance.

Villanueva emphasized that the Philippines should adopt principles-based regulation, not rigid rules, to protect innovation.

“We are not here to stifle innovation… we are promoting the ethical use of AI and having to come up with guardrails,” he said.

Rather than viewing compliance as a burden, businesses can treat it as a growth opportunity.

As Gentry pointed out, “compliance is an opportunity.”

Sprout’s own experience shows how aligning with regulatory requirements can drive business value, especially in helping companies automate and simplify their HR and payroll compliance needs.

Clear rules create the right environment for innovation to thrive, but businesses also need the right infrastructure to bring their AI ambitions to life.

Genuino shared how the Philippines is strengthening its digital infrastructure to support AI growth.

He highlighted ePLDT’s investments in:

• Over one million kilometers of fiber laid across the country.
• New submarine cable systems to improve global connectivity.
• The launch of Vitro Santa Rosa, the largest AI-ready, renewable-powered data center in the Philippines.

Infrastructure like this ensures businesses can deploy AI solutions faster, safer, and more effectively in the years ahead.

Both panelists agreed that companies should approach AI with a clear focus: solve real business pain points.

Genuino shared how PLDT uses AI to improve network reliability through predictive maintenance.

Villanueva explained how RCBC leveraged AI in its digital lending services, leading to a 62% increase in their unsecured lending portfolio in just one year.

AI delivers the most value when it is applied to areas that directly impact a company’s core services and goals.

This is also why Sprout’s AI-powered HR solutions focus on practical challenges—helping businesses automate compliance, payroll, and employee management tasks effectively.

Technology is only as strong as the people behind it. But one concern raised during the session was the shortage of digital and AI-ready talent in the Philippines.

Villanueva pointed out that public-private collaboration is needed to close the skills gap.

He also stressed the importance of upskilling workers in fields like data science, engineering, and AI operations. Competition for tech talent isn’t just local. It’s happening regionally and globally.

Genuino shared how ePLDT addressed this by creating the Vitro Academy, partnering with universities to train students in data center technologies.

Companies are encouraged to take a proactive role in talent development. We can’t wait for educational reforms to catch up.

Businesses must invest in upskilling their teams now to build the AI-powered workforce of tomorrow.

At Sprout, we’re seeing this too: and it’s why we offer employee self-service tools, automated compliance assistance, and data insights, helping organizations reskill and empower their people faster.

As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday business, trust will be the foundation for lasting success.

Villanueva introduced the TRUST framework: Technology that is Responsive, Universal, Secure, and Transparent. Without trust, businesses will struggle to drive adoption and deliver long-term value.

The panel closed with a hopeful message: AI is opening new paths for Philippine businesses to grow faster, compete globally, and build stronger customer relationships.

But real success will depend on getting the basics right—strong data foundations, smart infrastructure, supportive regulation, and a clear investment in people.

At Sprout Solutions, helping companies navigate this shift is a priority. Through smarter, future-ready HR and Payroll platforms, Sprout empowers businesses to embrace AI with confidence, accuracy, and care.

To stay ahead, check out our blog, explore our thought leadership materials, and join our upcoming events for more practical insights.

If you missed SaaScon PH 2025, watch our event recap and catch up on all the highlights. Let’s build a future where AI drives real business growth, stronger leadership, and lasting success!