Digitizing the Living Spaces: How DIMER Integrates AI in Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Urban Planning

05 February 2025

The Philippines is among the leading players of AI adoption at work, with more than 86% of Filipinos affirming their use of AI tools in the 2024 Work Trend Index released by Microsoft Corp. and LinkedIn. The trajectory for the country’s adoption seems promising. However, organizations still lack the technical know-how and resources to harness AI effectively.

The Decentralized Intelligent Model Exchange Repository (DIMER) is an innovative initiative under the Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute Automated Labeling Machine (ASTI-ALaM) Project that aims to bolster AI adoption rates by providing pre-trained, modular AI models tailored to answer various industry needs.

Franz De Leon, DOST-ASTI Director, shared that the ASTI-ALaM Project was inspired by the challenges many Philippine institutions face in accessing AI and the untapped potential of the country’s archived satellite images and big data. He explained that by optimizing workflows for remote sensing data and leveraging high-performance computing, the project aims to break barriers in AI adoption and make its benefits more accessible to key sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.

Smart Solutions for a Smart Future

Unlike generic AI solutions, DIMER’s models are localized tools for key sectors in the country. This localization ensures optimization of problem-solving, such as addressing issues in crop yields or traffic flows in populated urban areas.

By offering ready-to-use, adaptable AI models, DIMER is effectively lowering the barriers to AI adoption. It is creating a platform that empowers organizations to leverage AI without the need for extensive technical expertise or costly infrastructure investments.

You can think of DIMER as an AI toolbox filled with a variety of tools designed to tackle specific challenges relevant to the Philippines… This AI toolbox is not only accessible but also tailored for local needs, allowing users to customize, share, and build on each tool, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation. It’s a resource where anyone—from local governments to small businesses—can find the right “AI tool” for the job without needing specialized expertise or big budgets.

Franz De Leon, DOST-ASTI Director, On DIMER’s features

De Leon added that the DIMER platform’s completion of its End-User training was pivotal in affirming their vision to simplify access to AI tools, with many organizations expressing a strong desire to incorporate AI into their work. He added that they are actively pursuing partnerships and collaborations with appropriate stakeholders to address the country's diverse needs - tailoring DIMER’s AI to the unique challenges each organization faces.

Artificial Intelligence, Real-World Applications

DIMER aligns closely with sustainable development goals by promoting access to a centralized AI model repository that helps organizations develop data-driven solutions that improve resource efficiency, support sustainable farming practices, enhance urban infrastructure, and empower resilience to natural disasters. Due to its reconfigurable nature, this platform can be localized into any sector to cater to specific challenges efficiently and affordably in various contexts.

Recognizing the great potential in the Philippines, De Leon expressed excitement for DIMER’s integration in a country where digital transformation is both a priority and a challenge. He added that the platform's widespread accessibility has the potential to drive innovation, improve productivity, and foster resilience across industries, particularly for those previously limited by resources and expertise.

Ultimately, we see DIMER contributing to a more inclusive and technologically-advanced society, where AI becomes an accessible tool for problem-solving and sustainable growth, helping to uplift communities and enhance quality of life across the country.

Franz De Leon, DOST-ASTI Director, On DIMER’s applications

De Leon added that they envision DIMER as a transformative platform that democratizes access to AI, empowering a wide range of sectors in the Philippines to harness the power of data-driven insights. The team behind the project continues to refine the platform based on valuable feedback from their end-users, further supporting their community-based approach to AI development.

In the next decade, DIMER aims to become the Philippines’ premier hub for AI innovation, empowering organizations nationwide and across Southeast Asia to integrate AI into their operations seamlessly. The vision is to create a scalable, adaptive platform that evolves with cutting-edge AI models, fosters collaboration across sectors, and drives technological progress while promoting inclusivity and ethical AI practices.

Beyond the Breakthrough: Challenges and Opportunities

Being in its final stages of Development, DIMER still faces challenges to keep up with AI technology’s rapid advancements. Faced with constant emergence of new models, algorithms, and best practices, the ASTI-ALaM Team focuses on DIMER’s flexibility and adaptability, to ensure its relevance and alignment with the latest updates.

De Leon assures the public that DIMER will stay up-to-date through their efforts of working closely with domain experts, maintaining an iterative development approach to enable continuous improvements.

With the vision to democratize AI in the Philippines, De Leon plans on sharing their advocacy with an international audience, potentially forming linkages while leveraging interest from collaborators and industry leaders.

At the recently concluded CES 2025, DIMER highlighted their vision with potential international partners.

De Leon showed appreciation for the opportunity to benchmark DIMER against the global standard and gain insight into the latest trends in AI. Showcasing DIMER on this international stage will attract collaborators, provide valuable insights from experts, and align the platform with global best practices, unlocking new opportunities for refinement and application.

CES is one of the world’s premier stages for innovation, and having the opportunity to showcase DIMER at this event is a remarkable milestone… By showcasing DIMER, we hope to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals interested in advancing accessible AI, whether through partnerships, technical expertise, or new applications for DIMER’s models

Franz De Leon, DOST-ASTI Director, On DIMER’s global appearance

De Leon added that as DIMER was inspired by its global peers, they hope that Filipinos worldwide will also see DIMER as a testament to the country's innovation, resilience, and potential.

Reflecting on DIMER’s collaborative spirit, they affirmed that DOST-ASTI remains committed to supporting Filipino inventors and researchers by fostering an environment that fosters innovation, teamwork, and real-world impact.

The agency’s emphasis on addressing real-world challenges aligns well with the broader mission of creating solutions that directly benefit society. While there are always challenges, such as limited resources or the evolving landscape of technology, DOST-ASTI remains committed to adapting and finding ways to push the boundaries of scientific and technological advancement

Franz De Leon, DOST-ASTI Director, On DOST-ASTI’s role for DIMER and other Innovations

De Leon concluded by emphasizing that DIMER is a collaborative platform designed to democratize AI for meaningful, real-world applications. He highlightedthat by adopting DIMER, people are not just gaining access to advanced AI tools; they would also be supporting a sustainable, collaborative ecosystem that empowers organizations to leverage AI for positive societal impact.

The Department of Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), welcomes collaborations, partnerships, investments, and licensing opportunities. Connect with DOST-ASTI Director Franz A. De Leon, at info@asti.dost.gov.ph to explore the possibilities. You may also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DOSTASTI or LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/company/dost-asti.

** This article is part of the "PhilippiNOW: Philippines’ New Opportunities, Worldwide" campaign for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. For media inquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email them at ccu@tapi.dost.gov.ph