A total of nine Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development (R&D) projects by the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Caraga State University (CarSU) were launched by the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology (DOST Philippines) in April 2021. The AI R&D projects ranging from applications in agriculture to the education sector were launched on April 8 by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) to spur growth in the AI industry in the Philippines. "AI is one of our priority areas as it truly can boost the country and usher us to the fourth industrial revolution. As a powerful agent for good, AI can disrupt traditional processes and provide solutions and opportunities that Filipinos can maximize," said DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit during the virtual launch. The Autonomous Societally Inspired Mission Oriented Vehicles (ASIMOV) Program, composed of two-component projects, will be implemented by DOST-ASTI and UPMin.