Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, founder and chief officer of Build Initiative Foundation and Chairman of the Build, Build, Build (BBB) Committee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under Secretary Mark Villar, is a 33-year-old Filipina Juris Doctor, academic, author, opinion columnist, philanthropist, and civil servant.
Anna has dedicated over eight years to government service, and is now championing the belief that every Filipino’s voice, dreams, and aspirations deserve to be heard, which also serves as her inspiration in the development an AI platform named Night Owl GPT, which was built in order to preserve indigenous languages that are on the brink of extinction. This is also in the hope that Filipino languages may be kept alive so that more people can learn about them..
There aren’t many AI tools for Filipino people that have functional translations and/or options that aid the use of the Philippine language. Thus, this AI platform serves as a valuable resource, benefiting a diverse spectrum of users–from those in the more professional settings such as those who have a career in Filipino linguistics, to even those who just want to learn how to speak the various Filipino languages.
The GPT, Night Owl, majors in a few of the main Filipino languages such as Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilokano, and even covers over 170 Filipino dialects. This revolutionary use of technology is just the start of something bigger for the Philippine culture.
The preservation of Philippine languages is integral to safeguarding the country’s rich culture. By nurturing these linguistic traditions, individuals can deepen their understanding of the nation’s heritage and values. Embracing technology to aid in this preservation effort not only honors the roots on which the country was built but also provides continuous growth and development. Through the mindful preservation of the country’s linguistic diversity, the Philippines can chart a path toward a more vibrant and inclusive future.
Anne’s approach to addressing linguistic extinction is also very pragmatic and forward-looking, taking into account the rapid pace of global advancement. She recognizes the urgency of the situation and proposes practical solutions–the making of this AI Platform–that leverage modern technologies. By prioritizing the preservation of languages within this context, Anne ensures the protection of the Philippines’ cultural heritage in an ever-progressing world.
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