Government agencies, technology companies, schools, startups, and business groups gathered in Bacolod City to discuss how artificial intelligence can support regional enterprises and communities while addressing risks involving jobs, misinformation, safety, and public accountability. More than 1,000 delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers participated in “TRAIN 2026: AI & Innovation Networking Week”, held from July 20 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod. The five-day conference covered digital infrastructure, enterprise adoption, startup development, workforce transformation, education, tourism, financial technology, creative industries, and AI governance. Convened by former Department of Information and Communications Technology undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue through the Philippine ICT Innovation Network, the event sought to bring discussions on AI development beyond Metro Manila and other major urban centers. “Knowledge is the new currency,” Batapa-Sigue said, emphasizing the need to preserve human qualities such as creativity, leadership, empathy, and communication as organizations adopt AI and other emerging technologies. Discussions during the opening day focused on the connectivity, institutions, partnerships, and talent systems needed to prepare regional communities for AI adoption. Ignite Telecoms vice president for sales and operations Nitz Rimando discussed the role of telecommunications infrastructure in connecting the Negros Island Region to AI-enabled services. CirroLytix Research Services chief executive officer Claire Tayco presented a framework for assessing the AI readiness of institutions and regions. Sessions on education and creative industries examined