The Department of Education (DepEd) uses AI in its education programs — a bold step for artificial intelligence. It has launched the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR), a research hub focused on improving education through AI-driven tools.
From DTI to DepEd: A New Home for AI Research
E-CAIR was initially under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). However, priorities shifted under the new administration, leading to its transfer to DepEd. Education Secretary Sonny Angara saw the potential of AI in education and decided to take over the center.
“AI can be applied in many ways, especially in a system like DepEd, where we deal with complex issues and large amounts of information,” Angara said at the launch on February 19.
E-CAIR Managing Director Erika Legara emphasized that the center will focus on real-world applications. These include optimizing learning resources, improving student assessments, and using predictive analytics to support education policies.
“For AI to make a real impact, it has to transform how we teach, how we learn, and how we make decisions,” Legara said.
AI-Powered Solutions for Education
Before its transfer, E-CAIR had already begun working on AI tools aimed at student well-being. One project involves computer vision technology that can detect malnutrition and disabilities among students. This would allow DepEd to provide targeted interventions for affected children.
Legara also highlighted AI’s role in school leadership. “We are building tools to strengthen leadership through competency-based training for school heads,” she said.
Another key application of AI will be in tracking the distribution of school vouchers.
Cracking Down on Voucher Fraud
Earlier this week, DepEd launched an investigation into private schools suspected of listing fake students to claim subsidies from the senior high school voucher program.
Angara said AI could help detect fraud by analyzing past cases and identifying suspicious patterns.
“AI can spot trends and flag potential fraud,” he said. “That’s exactly what it’s designed to do.”
DepEd officials believe AI-driven systems could improve transparency and accuracy in voucher distribution.
Expanding AI’s Role in Schools
DepEd is also exploring other AI applications. One proposal is to use AI to map out schools that need better infrastructure under the Adopt-A-School Program.
E-CAIR’s integration into DepEd was made possible through a partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization. The group works with governments across the region to enhance education policies.
AI and the Future of Philippine Education
As DepEd takes full control of E-CAIR, Angara said collaboration will be key. Researchers, educators, and policymakers must work together to develop AI solutions that are both effective and ethical.
Lawmakers have also weighed in on AI’s growing role in education.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate basic education committee, said students must be prepared for AI-driven industries.
Rep. Roman Romulo, chair of the House basic education committee, described AI as the future but stressed the need to focus on core skills.
“AI is here, and it’s the future,” Romulo said. “But DepEd must not lose sight of what truly matters – reading, reading, reading.”
He also urged DepEd to improve its data collection, saying better data would help AI tools function more effectively.
AI’s Place in National Development
E-CAIR is not the government’s first AI initiative. In July 2024, DTI launched the Center for AI Research and introduced a new roadmap for AI adoption. The plan included expanding the use of generative AI.
At the time, then-DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the center should eventually sustain itself without heavy government funding. However, Pascual resigned on July 31, leaving the future of DTI’s AI programs uncertain.
For now, DepEd is pressing forward. Officials believe AI can help solve long-standing issues in the education system. The challenge will be making sure it serves its intended purpose – helping students, teachers, and schools move forward.
