Philippines taps AI for MSME finance and security at ASEAN-linked summit

On July 22, 2026, the Philippines’ DICT and state-owned Land Bank signed an accord to build AI-enabled tools that help MSMEs prepare bankable plans and access credit. The same day, a US State Department fact sheet announced a $6.5 million US-funded Rhombus AI Concierge contract to give the Philippine government AI-driven national security analytics as part of wider Southeast Asia initiatives.