Manila: Education Secretary Sonny Angara has expressed optimism about the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving the quality of education in the Philippines. Speaking at the University of the Philippines’ AI Horizons PH 2024 Conference, Angara emphasized how AI could enhance learning efficiency and support both teachers and students.
According to Philippines News Agency, Angara highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to explore AI’s possibilities, noting its potential advantages for educators and learners. He pointed out that AI could allow teachers to save time and focus on students needing extra help, while advanced students could progress further with AI assistance.
To support these technological advancements, Angara acknowledged the need for infrastructure improvements, mentioning that 2,000 schools require electric power and 40,000 schools need electricity upgrades. He stressed that adequate power and bandwidth are essential for implementing AI technologies effectively.
B
eyond AI, Angara noted that the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to partner with various innovative software providers, such as Khan Academy, I AM The Code, and Canva, to enhance learning systems.
The conference also highlighted AI’s potential to address broader governance issues. UP Special Adviser to the President for Research and Innovation, Giselle Concepcion, emphasized the university’s expertise in AI and its application in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, which are crucial for national development.
Concepcion suggested that collaboration between government, academia, and industry could lead to AI-powered solutions for critical challenges, including employment, disaster management, climate change, and local government operations.
The AI Horizons PH 2024 Conference, running through October 25, features various AI projects focused on education and governance. Notable initiatives discussed include advancements in object detection, speech technology, environmental governance w
ith biodiversity databases, automated essay scoring systems, and road monitoring systems.