Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intelligence (AIMHI) Mobile took center stage at Benilde’s Peter D. Garrucho Jr. Innovations Institute on June 16, where government, academe, and construction industry stakeholders gathered for its official launch, highlighting the locally developed digital platform aimed at streamlining construction project management through artificial intelligence.
The event marked the official introduction of AIMHI Mobile, the mobile and offline-enabled version of AIMHI’s platform developed for construction professionals. The launch also showcased the progress of AIMHI, a Mindanao-based startup supported through Benilde Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi) Technology Business Incubator.
Founded by women entrepreneurs Ms. Cherryanne Lee Angoy, Ms. Monica Llamas-Turrecha, and Atty. Ma. Janice Tejano from Tagum City and Davao City, AIMHI has received backing from national and international innovation programs, including the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Startup Grant Fund and the SkillsUpNet Philippines Phase 2 Program. Through its technology initiatives, the startup seeks to develop solutions that respond to the realities and challenges of the local construction sector.
The launch came amid growing interest in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the construction industry, where digital tools are increasingly being explored to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making. At the same time, questions remained regarding accessibility, workforce adaptation, and the broader implications of emerging technologies, alongside discussions on the future of the construction industry.
The launch program featured the industry forum, “Building Smarter: Digital Transformation, AI Adoption, and Workforce Readiness in the Construction Industry,” moderated by Ar. Dottie Asela Domingo, Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academics of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). The discussion brought together experts from the government, industry, and academe to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the Philippine construction sector.
Panelists included Ar. Michael Xavier Ticzon, Director of Computational Design at Makati Development Corporation; Engr. Justin Victor Angeles, President of J.V. Angeles Construction; Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, Director III of the Innovation Staff of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); Engr. Harold Vincent Lim, Key Account Manager at Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Paul Amerigo Pajo Jr., Director and TBI Manager of Benilde HiFi Technology Business Incubator; Ar. Enzo Belandres and Ar. Carlos Joselito Gutierrez, faculty of Benilde’s Architecture Program; and Dr. Benito Pacheco, Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Among the key topics raised were the need to ensure that small and medium-sized contractors are not left behind in the industry’s digital transformation. Mr. Pajo Jr. commended AIMHI’s localized approach to construction technology, highlighting the importance of developing solutions that address the realities of the Philippine construction industry.
Panelists also explored the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence. Dr. Pacheco underscored understanding how AI systems operate, particularly in relation to data use and social impact. He cautioned that “the more we use free AI tools, the more we’re uploading information of the real world,” pointing out that users often contribute valuable data that can be used to train AI models. While acknowledging AI’s benefits, he warned that technology can also exacerbate existing inequalities if broader societal concerns are overlooked.
Meanwhile, Ar. Ticzon discussed how AI is transforming design and engineering workflows by speeding up tasks. He noted that many professionals fear that AI could take over tasks that once required years of expertise, particularly in white-collar roles. However, he stressed that AI should be used as a tool rather than a replacement, “Those who have access to it are at an advantage,” he said.
From the policy perspective, Atty. Santiago highlighted the government’s role in fostering an innovation ecosystem that supports technology adoption. While the country has no dedicated AI law yet, he noted that existing legislation can already address many AI-related concerns. He also cautioned that AI isn’t guaranteed to bridge existing inequalities and may even widen them if access remains unequal.
Following the panel discussion, AIMHI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Angoy formally launched AIMHI Mobile. A graduate of the Benilde School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPaCE), Ms. Angoy shared the company’s vision of making tools more accessible to construction professionals, particularly those operating with limited resources and connectivity.
During her keynote presentation, Ms. Angoy highlighted how limited project visibility and unforeseen costs continue to affect contractors despite completing projects on schedule. She said AIMHI Mobile was developed to give users clearer insights into project performance, helping them make more informed decisions before issues escalate.
Participants were also invited to explore the platform through interactive demonstration stations set up around the venue, allowing attendees to experience AIMHI Mobile’s features firsthand.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the panelists, followed by closing remarks from Ms. Angoy. Reflecting on the startup’s journey, she emphasized the importance of perseverance and collaboration in bringing local innovations to life. She also acknowledged her co-founders Ms. Llamas-Turrecha and Atty. Tejano, as well as the team and partners who supported AIMHI’s journey. She then concluded with a rallying call: “Mabuhay ang Filipino innovation!”
In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Ms. Angoy encouraged aspiring Benildean innovators to use their talents to address real-world challenges. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is “not an easy path” and requires resilience, while also encouraging innovators to maximize available resources and support systems.
“Our country is facing a lot of problems, and I think it’s critical that we use our core values, our talents, [and] our skills to come up with solutions that will help improve [them],” she said.
As AIMHI continues its mission of bringing accessible digital solutions to the construction industry, AIMHI Mobile is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Those interested in learning more about the platform may follow AIMHI’s official Facebook and Instagram pages for updates or visit the company’s website for inquiries and additional information.
