Microsoft, DepEd Partner to Use AI in Addressing Literacy Gap
AI in the Classroom: Microsoft, DepEd Launch Tech-Driven Push to Raise Literacy Levels
Technology giant Microsoft has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to introduce artificial intelligence tools into the country’s public school system, aiming to confront the Philippines’ ongoing literacy challenges through automated coaching and data-driven insights.
Central to the initiative is the nationwide rollout of “Reading Progress,” an AI-powered tool designed to assess students’ reading fluency, automatically detect learning gaps, and provide targeted feedback. The program forms part of AGAP.AI, the country’s first framework for the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in basic education.
DepEd said the broader initiative seeks to equip 1.5 million students, teachers, and parents with AI literacy skills by the end of the year, promoting both technical competence and ethical use of emerging technologies.
During a demonstration at Quezon City Science High School, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally tested the Reading Progress software, achieving a reported 98 percent fluency score.
“This initiative reflects our belief that education must evolve in tandem with the changes in our world,” Marcos said. “Our responsibility now is to ensure that our students use AI confidently and ethically enabling them to stay ahead in this learning journey.”
Early Gains from Pilot Programs
The nationwide expansion follows pilot implementations in selected regional hubs, including Cabanatuan City. Education officials reported that all learners in three participating districts advanced to higher literacy levels after using the AI-supported system.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the tool allows teachers to tailor instruction more effectively while reducing administrative workload.
“Literacy remains one of our biggest national challenges, with many learners still not meeting expected proficiency levels,” Angara said. “Reading Progress gives us a clear starting point to understand where our students are today.”
By automating fluency checks and consolidating performance data, the system enables educators to focus more on personalized support rather than manual assessment tasks.
Expanding AI in Classrooms
Microsoft Philippines plans to train 3,000 teachers across 1,500 schools throughout 2026 as part of the next phase of implementation.
Jonathan Que, Country General Manager of Microsoft Philippines, said the collaboration is designed to raise national literacy standards and align the country’s 24 million students with global benchmarks.
“Our goal is to elevate national literacy in close partnership with DepEd, aligning the Philippines with the world’s highest-performing education systems and institutions,” Que said.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, the government’s push signals a broader effort to integrate digital innovation into the education sector positioning Filipino learners for a technology-driven future.
