Philippine Education Pushes for Stronger Learning Foundations While Embracing Artificial Intelligence
The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) is taking a balanced approach to education reform by strengthening students' reading, writing, and mathematics skills while preparing schools for an increasingly AI-driven future. The initiative reflects the government's broader vision of equipping learners with both foundational academic knowledge and modern technological competencies that will remain valuable throughout their education and future careers.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara recently emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming a permanent part of society, making it essential for both teachers and students to understand how AI works and how it can be used responsibly. However, DepEd continues to stress that technology should complement—not replace—the essential skills of literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking.
As education systems worldwide adapt to rapid technological advancements, the Philippines is working to ensure that its learners remain globally competitive without losing focus on the basics that drive long-term academic success.
Reading, Writing, and Math Remain the Top Priority
Before students can fully benefit from advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, they need a strong academic foundation.
According to Secretary Angara, DepEd's immediate focus remains improving reading comprehension, writing proficiency, mathematics, and science education. These core competencies continue to be viewed as the building blocks for lifelong learning and future workforce readiness.
Rather than allowing AI to become a shortcut for learning, the department wants students to develop genuine understanding and problem-solving abilities. Reading comprehension, in particular, remains one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement across nearly every subject.
This emphasis aligns with educational best practices worldwide, where literacy and numeracy continue to serve as the cornerstone of effective learning.
Artificial Intelligence Becomes Part of Modern Education
Artificial intelligence is no longer considered a futuristic concept—it is rapidly becoming part of daily life, business, healthcare, finance, and education.
Recognizing this shift, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the country must prepare for an AI-powered future. He announced that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched large-scale AI training programs expected to reach approximately 1.8 million participants, including students, teachers, and parents.
DepEd plans to complement these national efforts by helping educators become more familiar with AI tools before expanding AI literacy among students.
Secretary Angara explained that teachers must first understand digital technologies so they can confidently guide learners in using AI responsibly, ethically, and productively.
Rather than treating AI as a replacement for learning, DepEd aims to teach students how to use it as a tool for research, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Teaching Responsible AI Use Instead of AI Dependence
One growing concern among educators worldwide is students relying too heavily on AI to complete assignments.
DepEd recognizes this challenge but views it as an opportunity to strengthen digital literacy instead of simply restricting technology.
Students will be encouraged to understand how AI generates information, evaluate its accuracy, verify sources, and apply critical thinking before accepting AI-generated content as factual.
By promoting responsible AI use, schools hope to develop learners who can collaborate effectively with technology while maintaining independent thinking and strong analytical skills.
This educational approach reflects a growing global trend that values AI literacy alongside traditional academic competencies.
Academic Recovery Programs Continue to Support Learners
DepEd is also continuing its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which has entered its second year.
The initiative provides additional tutorials and targeted learning support for students who may have fallen behind academically. These interventions are designed to help struggling learners strengthen their skills before advancing to higher grade levels.
Academic recovery remains a significant component of the department's long-term education reform strategy as schools continue addressing learning gaps that emerged over recent years.
The continued investment demonstrates DepEd's commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind while raising national education standards.
Senior High School Curriculum Offers Greater Flexibility
Another important reform involves the evolving Senior High School curriculum.
Students will enjoy greater flexibility when selecting subjects that align with their career goals, college aspirations, or entrepreneurial interests.
DepEd is also strengthening Technical Professional Education opportunities, allowing learners to explore more practical career pathways while developing workplace-ready skills.
Additionally, work immersion programs will be expanded, with many students expected to complete the equivalent of at least one semester of workplace experience through internships or on-the-job training.
These real-world learning experiences aim to better prepare graduates for employment, higher education, or business ownership.
Investing in Teachers Through Digital Training
Successful education reform depends heavily on teacher development.
To support educators, DepEd has adjusted the academic calendar from four terms to three, creating more opportunities for teachers to participate in professional development without reducing classroom instruction time.
The department is also expanding online training focused on digital technologies, information technology skills, and modern instructional methods.
By improving teachers' digital competencies, DepEd hopes educators will be better equipped to introduce emerging technologies—including AI, analytics, and data science—to future generations of learners.
Teacher development remains one of the department's most significant long-term investments.
Mental Health and Safer Learning Environments
Education reform extends beyond academics.
Secretary Angara emphasized the importance of reducing stress among students by creating safer, healthier, and more supportive school environments.
Recognizing the growing mental health needs of learners, DepEd is addressing the shortage of guidance counselors by hiring guidance counselor associates to provide additional emotional and psychological support.
These efforts complement broader initiatives aimed at making schools more peaceful, inclusive, and conducive to learning.
Supporting student well-being is increasingly viewed as essential for improving both academic performance and overall personal development.
Building a Stronger Reading Culture
Perhaps one of DepEd's most significant priorities is improving functional literacy.
The department plans to invest more heavily in reading initiatives, particularly in municipalities where literacy rates remain below expectations.
These efforts include increasing the availability of books in schools, funding community reading programs, and reviewing instructional methods to improve reading outcomes.
Rather than encouraging students to memorize information, educators will place greater emphasis on helping learners understand, analyze, and apply what they read.
Developing strong reading comprehension skills supports success across every academic subject while preparing students for lifelong learning.
Looking Ahead
DepEd's latest education reforms demonstrate a clear commitment to balancing innovation with strong academic fundamentals.
While artificial intelligence continues transforming industries around the world, the department recognizes that students first need excellent reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking skills to use technology effectively.
By investing in teachers, expanding digital learning opportunities, strengthening literacy programs, improving mental health support, and modernizing senior high school education, DepEd hopes to prepare Filipino students for success in higher education, future careers, and an increasingly digital society.
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, these reforms position Philippine education to embrace technological change without losing sight of the timeless value of strong foundational learning.
