The provincial government of Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) and East West International Educational Specialists, Inc. Philippines, convened nearly 200 stakeholders from academia and industry for the first International AI Education Summit in the Visayas region.
The event, held at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday, April 2, featured international speakers from the USA, Poland, Singapore, Belgium, and the Philippines.
Discussions centered on topics such as the future of the AI-enhanced workforce, AI’s role in Education 5.0, the ethics of AI, and the growing interdependence between humans and AI in Industry 5.0.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the importance of responsible AI development, stating, “This marks a significant landmark as we gather to explore the impact of AI on education and how it is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and prepare for the future.” He stressed the need for AI to serve as “an instrument of empowerment rather than exclusion.”
NOLITC Vocational Administrator Cristina Basa-Orbecido highlighted the summit as a pioneering initiative of Governor Lacson’s administration.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II also announced at the summit that NOLITC will serve as a central hub for AI training for teachers and students across the province, with plans to expand the program to every district. This will be housed at the center’s new facility in Talisay City.
Board Member Rita Gatuslao, Chair of the SP Committee on Education, also pledged her legislative support for AI education, emphasizing the need for ethical and inclusive AI adoption.
The summit drew a diverse audience, including representatives from DepEd Divisions, TESDA, state and private universities and colleges, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Business IT-BPO sector.
