The Rise of an Augmented Nation: A Review of Augmented Reality Research in the Philippines

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is progressively transitioning from a niche technology to a transformative tool with significant potential across various sectors worldwide. In the Philippines, a nation characterized by a dynamic digital landscape and a youthful, tech-savvy population, AR is beginning to make noticeable inroads. This review article synthesizes the current state of academic research on Augmented Reality in the Philippines, following the IMRAD (Introduction, Methodology, Results and Discussion, and Conclusion) format. The introduction establishes the global and local context of AR, highlighting its current trends and the burgeoning interest in its application within the Philippine context. It also delineates the objective of this review: to consolidate and thematically analyze existing research on AR in the Philippines to understand its applications, identify research gaps, and propose future directions. The methodology employed is a comprehensive literature review of research articles, focusing on thematic analysis to categorize and synthesize the findings. The results and discussion section identifies and elaborates on the predominant themes in Philippine AR research, namely: the enhancement of learning in the education sector, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and tourism, and the nascent explorations in healthcare. This section delves into specific case studies and developmental projects highlighted in the literature, showcasing the innovative ways AR is being conceptualized and implemented in the country. The review also uncovers a significant research gap in the area of commercial and industrial AR applications, particularly concerning local startups. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, emphasizing the promising yet embryonic stage of AR research in the Philippines. Finally, the article provides recommendations for future research, policy-making, and practical implementation to foster a more robust and inclusive AR ecosystem in the nation. This review serves as a foundational reference for academics, developers, and policymakers interested in the evolving landscape of Augmented Reality in the Philippines.