TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE — November 2025. The Davao Builders Digital Network (DBDN), a select alliance of 15 construction enterprises led by AIMHI (Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Intelligence), a former incubatee of Upgrade Innolab, has secured a coveted SkillsUpNet Philippines (SUNPh) Phase 2 grant for the construction sector. Implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA).
With support from the ADB Japan Fund, this recognition places Mindanao at the center of the country’s digital transformation in construction and sets a new benchmark for precision, speed, and safety. SUNPh is a national program that backs enterprise “Skills Innovation Networks” to strengthen workforce capabilities across priority industries; for AIMHI and its partners, this grant powers a focused push to digitize field and back-office operations in the Davao Region.
The network brings together AIMHI as lead and reputable partners across Region XI, including SECKKA Empire Builders, Metro Gear Construction, JPL Designbuild and Engineering Consultancy Services, Pencil Design Studio OPC, ARM Hardware, ACMS Builders, AZE Inc., Tagum Constrak, HM Construction Services, Indesign Interior Design Services, AAR General Merchandise, Anthill Incorporated, Mighty Builders & Supply, and Ruplino Seismundo Construction. Over the next year, DBDN will deliver the Davao Builders Digital Scholarship Program, “From Manual to Digital: AI and Tech Upskilling for Construction Professionals,” training 50 scholars on AIMHI, SAP, and BIM. Each company will run a Digital Application Project so new skills translate into measurable gains in scheduling, cost control, reporting, and AI-assisted forecasting. In practical terms, the SUNPh grant for AIMHI’s consortium funds high-quality training and applied capstones that directly improve real construction workflows across all participating firms.
The network was formally recognized on October 27, 2025 at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, marking the start of implementation for the coming year. This moment signals a decisive shift for Mindanao’s builders: they are not only adopting digital tools, they are helping to set the national standard. “For too long, digital innovation seemed out of reach for smaller firms,” said Angoy of AIMHI. “This network changes that. It puts practical tools and real training where they matter most—on site and in the back office—so teams can plan better, move faster, and make confident, profit-driven decisions.”
AIMHI is an incubutee of Upgrade Innolab’s third cohort of the ISKO program. Builders, suppliers, project owners, and training partners who want to participate, collaborate, or co-fund additional scholar slots are invited to connect with the network. Reach AIMHI at [email protected] or visit www.aimhi.ai to explore partnership opportunities, pilot projects, and upcoming scholarship cohorts.
