DepEd Strengthens ASEAN Ties to Accelerate AI Adoption in Basic Education
The Department of Education (DepEd) is intensifying regional collaboration with Southeast Asian partners to fast-track the integration of artificial intelligence–driven digital infrastructure in basic education, positioning technology as a practical solution to improve learning outcomes and ease teachers’ administrative workload.
Education officials highlighted the Philippines’ active participation in the 3rd Regional Policy Convening of the AI Ready ASEAN Program, held on February 9 in Pasig City. The event gathered education leaders, digital policymakers, and development partners from across the region to discuss responsible AI adoption in schools.
The country’s engagement is anchored on Project AGAP.AI, DepEd’s flagship artificial intelligence initiative aimed at modernizing governance and pedagogy. Under the broader AI Ready ASEAN program, nearly 796,000 Filipinos, including teachers and learners, have completed foundational AI literacy training, according to DepEd.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that digital transformation should be a collective regional effort rather than a competitive race among nations.
“The Philippines does not see the digital race as a solitary journey. We stand ready to walk alongside our ASEAN neighbors — sharing our insights, our resources, and our steadfast commitment,” Angara said. “Together, we can build a digitally empowered region where growth is shared and progress is collective.”
He stressed that AI policies must address real-world challenges, adding that “a future-ready ASEAN cannot be built on guesswork or lofty rhetoric alone.”
The policy convening forms part of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative led by the ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org. The program seeks to expand AI literacy and promote the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies across all ASEAN member states.
For Filipino students, DepEd said the strengthened regional cooperation is expected to result in more accessible digital learning tools, enhanced online and blended learning platforms, and data-driven interventions that help schools identify learning gaps earlier.
Officials underscored that AI integration in classrooms will prioritize ethical, inclusive, and age-appropriate applications.
Teachers are likewise expected to benefit from ASEAN-wide policy frameworks focused on classroom-ready AI tools. DepEd noted that AI-enabled systems are being designed to streamline administrative tasks, support smarter lesson planning, and generate timely insights on student progress — allowing educators to devote more time to direct instruction and student engagement.
The ASEAN Foundation also signaled its intent to align AI Ready ASEAN initiatives with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, particularly in advancing digitalization in education and expanding AI access to diverse communities.
DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional partners to ensure that AI adoption in basic education strengthens — rather than replaces — the role of teachers, while equipping learners with essential digital skills for a rapidly evolving economy.
