About Erika
AI Strategy Executive and Business Advisor

Erika Legara is a business advisor and board director who helps organizations harness the power of AI and data science to drive growth, manage risk, and create competitive advantage. As Managing Director and Chief AI and Data Officer at the E-CAIR, she transforms strategic vision into operational excellence.

Her advisory portfolio includes organizations collectively earning over 4.5 billion USD across banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. She offers strategic guidance at all stages of digital maturity, from initial assessment to advanced implementation.

Board & Governance Experience

Since 2022, Erika has served as an Independent Director at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), where she contributes to the Corporate Governance, Audit and Compliance, Risk and Oversight, and Related Party Transactions Committees. She brings specialized expertise in AI governance and cyber risk management to the boardroom.

As a Fellow at the Institute of Corporate Directors (Philippines) and the first Filipino awarded the Cyber Risk Governance credential from the DCRO Risk Governance Institute, she helps boards navigate technology risks and opportunities with confidence.

Strategic Leadership

Erika was a co-author of the Philippine National AI Strategy Roadmap (DTI), positioning the country as a competitive player in the global technology landscape. Her approach balances technological advancement with ethical considerations and business practicality.

At the Asian Institute of Management, she spearheaded the MSc. in Data Science program, which has produced over 250 data science leaders and generated 70+ data science and AI R&D projects for stakeholders across industries.

Thought Leadership

Erika speaks regularly on AI governance, digital transformation, and the business impact of emerging technologies. Her insights have shaped boardroom discussions on technology risk, competitive strategy, and organizational change management across the ASEAN region.

Experience

  1. Managing Director and Chief AI & Data Officer

    Education Center for AI Resarch (DepEd)
    As Managing Director and Chief AI & Data Officer, Erika led the Center for AI Research from July to December 2024 under DTI, then oversaw its transition to the Education Center for AI Research under DepEd in January 2025. She directs strategic vision, oversees high-impact AI and data science R&D projects, and fosters partnerships with industry and academic stakeholders. The center now focuses on three key pillars: R&D for Innovation and Adoption, Capacity Building for educators and learners, and AI Policy Research, with a renewed emphasis on advancing AI in education while maintaining alignment with the original mission of driving innovation and national competitiveness.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

  2. Associate Professor and Aboitiz Chair in Data Science

    Asian Institute of Management
    As Associate Professor and Aboitiz Chair in Data Science at AIM (2017-present), Erika founded the Philippines’ first MSc in Data Science program, guiding 250+ graduates and overseeing 70+ DSAI projects. She’s currently on approved work leave (2024-2027) but remains active in business education leadership forums and as a thought leader on AI in education.

  3. Independent Director

    Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
    Contributing to the Corporate Governance, Audit and Compliance, Risk Oversight, and Related Party Transactions Committees, while providing strategic advice on AI and Data Governance within the bank.

  4. Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor

    CorteX Innovations, Corporation
    Serves as a key advisor ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of data and AI solutions while addressing practical business needs. She guides organizations through digital transformation with expertise in data governance, AI maturity assessments, and strategic roadmapping. Her advisory role helps both public and private sector clients bridge AI adoption gaps and develop sustainable transformation programs that balance innovation with operational realities.

Education

  1. PhD Physics

    University of the Philippines Diliman
    GWA: 1.0/1.0 Dissertation is titled Implications of the Topological Properties of Networks in the Dynamics of Marketing, Competition and Framing Analysis. Supervised by Academician Chris Monterola. Published 7 articles in ISI-indexed journals and presented over 20 times in local conference proceedings.

  2. MS Physics

    University of the Philippines Diliman

  3. BSc Physics (cum laude)

    University of the Philippines Diliman