Philippines opens AI center for education

In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR). This initiative aims to revolutionise the education system by driving innovation in the educational landscape using AI-powered solutions.

E-CAIR builds on the work already initiated by the Center for AI Research (CAIR) in 2024. E-CAIR was launched by DepEd to advance AI capabilities in the country’s educational system. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Philippine education, as it is the first-ever center focused on AI research in the sector.

The initiative aligns with the government’s push for digital transformation as it embraces technology to drive progress in various sectors, including education, and governance. Integration of AI and education helps E-CAIR support the government’s goal of making the Philippines a leader in digital innovation in Southeast Asia.

Moreover, the initiative will focus on revitalising education by developing AI-driven tools that enhance teaching, learning and school administration. Collaborating with national, local government agencies and industry partners, E-CAIR will deliver AI solutions with an aim to transform both public and private sectors.

Center’s key AI initiatives

DeepEd said the center (CAIR) aligns with the administration’s broader vision of digital transformation and strengthening the role of technology in governance, education and economic growth. The platform’s one of the key AI-driven initiative is the Adopt-A-School Program, which aims to map schools that need infrastructure support. By identifying these schools, E-CAIR can ensure that resources are distributed more efficiently and equitably.

E-CAIR will also support the agency for the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) by leveraging AI to streamline the process of generating computer-based examination results, which will help improve efficiency and transparency.

DeepEd said E-CAIR is already making an impact on education in the Philippines through several AI solutions that benefit both learns and teachers. Some of these are:

• Optimising education voucher distribution,
• Using computer vision to screen stunted and wasted learners,
• Enhanced detection and screening of learners with disabilities,
• Natural hazards mapping of public and private schools,
• Enhancing public private partnerships for schools through Adopt-A-School, and
• Improving the competencies of school heads.

In addition to local efforts, DepEd is also looking to expand its reach within the Southeast Asia via partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). It aims to position the Philippines as the leading AI education hub in Southeast Asia. The goal is to share AI-driven solutions with neighboring countries to address common challenges in education.