What is iTanong and how is it rivaling ChatGPT in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, an innovative AI chatbot called iTanong is making waves as it gears up to rival global AI platforms like ChatGPT. Developed by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), a government agency, iTanong is tailored to address the specific needs of Filipino users. Unlike ChatGPT, which impressed the world with its capabilities in December 2022, iTanong is designed to provide localised support in both English and Filipino, making it a more practical solution for the Philippines.

What Makes iTanong Unique?

iTanong, meaning “to ask” in Filipino, goes beyond the functions of search engines or generic chatbots. It integrates publicly available data with government databases, enabling users to access information and complete tasks such as applying for welfare programs, tracking benefits, or finding evacuation centers during emergencies.

Speaking to Rest of World in an interview, Elmer Peramo, the lead researcher behind iTanong, describes it as a tool to “democratise access to information” for Filipinos. While ChatGPT handles general queries, iTanong’s localised features and support for the Filipino language set it apart. This is particularly important as only about 55% of Filipinos report fluency in English.

Localised AI for Real-Life Challenges

For many Filipinos, accessing government services can be complicated and time-consuming. iTanong aims to simplify this process by replacing the Citizen’s Charter—a physical document found in government offices—with a real-time, AI-driven system. This change could benefit users who find the process of obtaining documents like tax IDs and police clearances challenging.

The platform’s developers are also working to include regional languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon, with plans to expand voice-command features by 2026. These updates aim to make iTanong even more accessible to users in rural areas where digital literacy and English fluency may be lower.

Challenges in Development

Building iTanong has not been without obstacles. Filipino is considered a low-resource language in AI development, with limited data available for training models. Peramo’s team relies on open-source datasets and manually generates synthetic data to fill the gaps. Additionally, infrastructure challenges, such as slow internet connectivity and limited data centres, have hindered progress.

Funding delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies also pose significant hurdles. Peramo explains that by the time new funds are approved, the proposed technologies often become outdated. Despite these challenges, the team remains committed to advancing AI adoption in the Philippines.

Looking Ahead

iTanong is part of a broader initiative to promote AI innovation in the country. Alongside other government-led projects, such as providing internet access to underserved areas, iTanong aims to make AI tools more inclusive and impactful. Experts emphasise the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to ensure the success of such projects.

While global AI platforms dominate in English-speaking markets, iTanong’s localised approach highlights its potential to address the unique needs of Filipino users. By bridging the gap between advanced technology and everyday accessibility, iTanong is setting the stage for a more inclusive AI-driven future in the Philippines.