We sat down with Dominic “Doc” Ligot, one of the leading voices of AI in the Philippines, to learn more about his background and work.
Let’s start light. When you’re not elbow-deep in AI projects or speaking at conferences, who is Doc Ligot?
You’ll probably find me watching sci-fi, noodling with content, or reading up on random internet rabbit holes… YouTube is dangerous! I love quiet time. That’s when the ideas sneak in. I’m not a as exciting as people think.
You’ve done everything from finance to fighting fake news. How would you describe your career in one word?
Hmm… maybe “evolving.” I started in banking… hardcore risk analytics… and over time, I realized the same tools could help people beyond profit. That curiosity just kept pushing me forward.
So when did it click that data wasn’t just for boardrooms… it could actually help communities?
There was a moment during typhoon season. We were tracking real-time reports on social media, and it hit me: this isn’t just noise. This is a cry for help. That’s when I started thinking about how we could use data for public good.
Is that what led to CirroLytix?
Exactly. I wanted to build a space where data scientists could work on problems that matter… health, human rights, disinformation. The name’s a mash-up of “cirro” like cirrus clouds (data in the cloud) and “analytics.” We started small, but the mission was always big.
One of your big wins was AEDES, the dengue prediction platform. NASA loved it. UNICEF backed it. What’s the backstory?
It started as an idea during a hackathon… could we use search trends, climate data, and satellite imagery to predict dengue outbreaks? We weren’t trying to win awards. We just wanted to help. But when people saw the potential, it took off. It’s now recognized as a digital public good, which is wild.
You’ve said, “Social problems are data problems.” What do you mean by that?
Every crisis leaves a trail. Whether it’s poverty, disease, or disinformation… there’s data behind it. If we can find the patterns, we can do something about it. That’s the power of data when used right.
And using it right brings us to Data and AI Ethics PH. Why did you start it?
Back in 2019, we saw how fast AI and data were being adopted… but no one was really talking about fairness, bias, consent, accountability. So we started a community where those conversations could happen. Not to stop innovation, but to guide it responsibly.
You’ve been invited to global advisory panels, worked with the UN, WHO, and UNICEF. What’s that like… being “the guy from the Philippines” in these big global spaces?
It’s surreal. And a little scary. I’m often the only Filipino in the room, and I feel that weight. But I also feel proud. It means our voices are being heard. I just try to show up with substance and humility.
Do you think the Philippines is ready for AI?
We’re getting there. We have the talent… our people are smart, curious, adaptable. What we need is access: tools, training, infrastructure. That’s what I focus on now… removing barriers.
And that brings us to this 1 million AI-enabled Filipinos goal. That’s huge. Why 1 million?
It’s aspirational, but it’s doable. Imagine what happens when a million Filipinos can build, use, or understand AI… not just in Manila, but across the country. We’d stop being back-office and start leading. That’s the dream.
For someone just starting, where do they even begin?
Start by playing. Open ChatGPT. Try Copilot. Ask questions. Don’t worry about coding yet… just understand how these tools work and think. Once you lose the fear, you’ll be surprised how quickly you learn.
You’ve built programs like SPARTA and advised universities. How do you make AI less intimidating to everyday people?
You strip away the jargon. AI is just logic plus math plus data. If you can use Google, you can learn the basics of AI. We meet people where they are and build from there.
You’ve also done work in tracking disinformation and online risks. Can AI help fix what it sometimes breaks?
Totally. We’ve built systems that flag fake news and map disinformation networks. The same tools used to manipulate can also be used to defend truth… it just depends on who’s holding the reins.
Your work spans a lot… public health, food security, disaster response. How do you choose what to focus on?
We go where the need is. I ask: who’s being left behind? If there’s a way data or AI can make a dent, that’s where we show up. It’s not about tech for tech’s sake.
Let’s talk hackathons… you’ve won NASA challenges multiple times. That sounds fun but intense.
Very! It’s two days of barely any sleep, messy code, and caffeine-fueled teamwork. But the adrenaline is worth it. One time, our satellite feed crashed and we had to pivot last minute. We still won. Filipinos are scrappy like that.
You’ve trained everyone from students to senators. What’s your teaching style like?
Conversational. I don’t believe in preaching. I start with questions: What are your fears? What excites you? Once people connect AI to their lived experience, everything else follows.
How do you keep learning in a field that moves so fast?
I read constantly. I play with every new tool I can get my hands on. But honestly? I learn the most from people I talk to in my podcasts. They keep me sharp.
“Responsible AI” gets thrown around a lot. What does it mean in real life?
It’s AI that doesn’t betray your trust. It doesn’t steal your data, doesn’t lie to you, doesn’t harm people just because they don’t fit the algorithm. It’s AI with a conscience.
What do you think most Filipinos misunderstand about AI?
That it’s only for super-genius developers. Or that it’s going to take away all the jobs. Both are wrong. AI is a tool… it can replace you or empower you, depending on how you engage with it.
You’ve won a lot of awards. Which one hit you the hardest emotionally?
When AEDES got tagged as a digital public good. That wasn’t just for me… it was for the team, for the country. It meant we weren’t just building cool stuff; we were building tools that mattered.
You’re active in the Philippine AI Business Association. What’s holding SMEs back from using AI?
Fear. And myths. They think it costs millions or requires a PhD. But many tools today are plug-and-play. They just need someone to show them it’s possible.
You’ve spoken about “data poverty.” Can you explain that a bit more?
Sure. Data poverty is when people can’t access or use data that could change their lives. It’s not just about internet speed… it’s about equity. If you don’t have access, you’re excluded from the digital future.
AI is exciting… but also risky. How do we find the balance?
Like fire, right? It can cook your dinner or burn down your house. So we need fire exits: safety protocols, clear guidelines, human oversight. Innovation should never come at the cost of people.
You’ve done corporate and now you’re in tech for good. What’s the biggest culture difference?
In corporate, success is hitting targets. In impact work, success is when a mom in Mindanao uses your training to start her online business. One pays the bills, the other fills your soul.
How do you stay grounded with all the attention and hype around AI?
I listen. To people on the ground… teachers, students, health workers, NGOs. If our tools can’t help them, then we’re doing it wrong.
What keeps you up at night… and what gets you out of bed?
I worry about AI being misused. Or government overregulating AI to the point of killing innovaiton. But I wake up knowing someone out there is learning AI today because of something we built. That hope keeps me going.
Last question: what would you tell a young Filipino who’s curious about AI but thinks, “I’m not techie enough”?
I’d say: if you’re curious and you care, you’re already halfway there. We can teach you the tools. What we need is your heart and your point of view. Don’t wait for permission. Jump in.
Dominic “Doc” Ligot is one of the leading voices in AI in the Philippines. Doc has been extensively cited in local and global media outlets including The Economist, South China Morning Post, Washington Post, and Agence France Presse. His award-winning work has been recognized and published by prestigious organizations such as NASA, Data.org, Digital Public Goods Alliance, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
If you need guidance or training in maximizing AI for your career or business, reach out to Doc via https://docligot.com.
