PRESS RELEASE

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday expressed optimism on the possible benefits of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of education in the Philippines.

In an ambush interview at the sidelines of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) AI Horizons PH 2024 Conference, Angara said utilizing AI may advance efficiency in learning.

“Talagang pinag-aaralan namin ano iyong posibilidad diyan. Kasi nakikita natin, may pakinabang talaga diyan yung mga guro, meron din pakinabang sa mga estudyante (We are really studying the possibilities there. Because we see that there’s really a benefit for teachers, even for students),” he said.

In particular, Angara said the technology may assist teachers in dealing with learners.

“Parang matitipid ng oras ni teacher dahil makapag-focus siya doon sa mga nangangailangan. Tapos iyong mga advanced students, pwede na rin mauna kasi sa tulong ng (Teachers can save time and they can focus on those in need. Then the advanced students, they can proceed with the aid of the) AI,” Angara said.

To realize technological advancements and the use of AI, Angara said, there are still 2,000 schools needing electric power and 40,000 schools needing electricity upgrades.

“I think, as you all know, AI needs good power, good bandwidth. So we have to ensure that these systems can handle the technology of the future,” he said in a separate speech during the conference.

Before AI, Angara said the DepEd has ongoing partnerships for the utilization of other innovative software and tools that help elevate learning systems including Khan Academy, I AM The Code, and Canva, among others.