With data as the backbone of modern society, new frontiers for data science and analytics have emerged to revolutionize the global landscape. In the Philippines, the call for data-driven solutions is as crucial as ever. The Dr. Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute (ALTDSI) has been a pioneer in this growing field, leading state-of-the-art research projects and innovative education programs with their team of interdisciplinary researchers.
Phases toward success
Upon its establishment in 2019, ALTDSI’s former Executive Director Dr. Rene Batac shares the vision conceived by its donor and namesake, Megaworld Corporation’s Dr. Andrew L. Tan. “[Tan’s] vision is really to equip the workforce [with] the technologies that they would need in this fast-paced environment that is dominated by science and artificial intelligence,” he explains.
Batac summarizes ALTDSI’s impact into three phases, the first being the upscaling of the workforce through professional and continuing education programs. In partnership with Megaworld, DLSU’s School of Lifelong Learning, and the College of Computer Studies, the institute created courses to help professionals acquire skills for improved productivity. These include preparatory courses like data preparation with Python or even more advanced courses like Introduction to Machine Learning.
The second phase of ALTDSI expanded opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to study data science. Deputy Director for External Affairs Dr. Ruth Angelie Cruz states that students currently have the option to take a minor or master’s degree in data science.
However, Batac articulates that establishing these programs was a lengthy process because they had to secure approval from the Commission on Higher Education. Nonetheless, he says that the programs have grown to high demand over the years, which “started with the first batch of less than 40 students, but now we are numbering in the hundreds and the participation is from all colleges.”
The last phase of the institute is about forging a strong network of stakeholders, academics, and government agencies to promote data science in the country. “We can’t do it alone and there are other organizations and groups out there who share the same sentiment and goal with us,” voices Cruz, hoping to create partnerships and develop solutions for critical social problems.
A data-driven future
Within DLSU, ALTDSI is holding discussions with different colleges to inspire students and faculty to engage in data science. Outside the University, the institute has also joined hands with the University of the Philippines, Philippine Science High School, and the Department of Health to share research and resources.
In November 2023, the institute was also invited to participate in a stakeholder forum on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Together with intergovernmental panels, ALTDSI is one of the few academic institutions forming the core group responsible for testing the AI readiness of the Philippines using the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology.
Despite the growth of the institute, the Philippines is far from being a data-centric nation. On the path to maximizing data science’s impact, Cruz asserts that data first be widely accessible, “We won’t be able to do anything without data, and building data takes time. So open governance and planning with data will be possible by opening data to the public.”
Danessa Mayuga (IV, BSIS) shares similar sentiments. She believes that data science can transform Philippine industries by enhancing data literacy and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations. Kyle Carlo Lasala (IV, MSCS), a research assistant affiliated with ALTDSI, also argues that data is the key to solving the country’s pressing issues. “Most of the time…they (authorities) create decisions just early based on their personal assessments and those are not good answers for me. What a good answer is [something that] is backed up with data and analytics.”
Amid millions of terabytes generated each day and research gaps scattered across different fields, the opportunities for creative innovation are endless. Tomorrow’s data experts must remain curious and persistent to take advantage of the sea of information present in society. With ALTDSI at the forefront, their commitment to nation-building stands as a testament to the vast horizons that data-driven solutions can accomplish.
