Bacolod City will host a major national gathering focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation this July, as organizers finalize preparations for TRAIN 2026 — the Transformative AI Network: AI & Innovation Networking Week.
The five-day event is scheduled from July 20 to 24, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, bringing together leaders from government, industry, academe, startups, civil society, and innovation communities across the Philippines.
A National Platform for AI Readiness
According to organizers, TRAIN 2026 aims to accelerate the Philippines' progress toward an AI-ready future by convening key stakeholders in a single, structured forum. The event will feature conferences, masterclasses, roundtable discussions, startup pitches, technology showcases, investor engagement activities, and community networking sessions.
Leading the initiative is lawyer and digital countryside advocate Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who serves as convenor of the Transformative AI Network and the Philippine ICT Innovation Network, and is a former Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development.
"We believe that AI readiness requires more than technology. It requires partnerships, skills, governance, innovation ecosystems, and communities working together. TRAIN 2026 is designed to bring these stakeholders into one space where ideas can become action," Batapa-Sigue said.
Five Thematic Days Covering the AI Landscape
Organizers have structured the week around five thematic focus areas, each assigned its own program day:
- Connected Communities and Innovation Ecosystems
- AI-Powered Enterprises
- Digital Business, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth
- AI Startups and Innovation
- Global AI Futures
The thematic structure is designed to address the full spectrum of AI adoption — from grassroots digital inclusion to enterprise deployment and international policy considerations.
Industry Partners Confirmed for the Event
According to the Transformative AI Network, several industry partners have already signed on to support TRAIN 2026. These include Converge Global Business, Ignite Telecommunications, Dito Telecommunity, JustPressOne, Cirrolytix Research Services, and Colliers Philippines.
Organizers are also inviting additional partners, sponsors, speakers, paper presenters, exhibitors, meeting hosts, investors, startup founders, and delegates to participate in the event ahead of the July dates.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Transformative AI Network