DepEd says AI-powered reforms will boost integrity, resource allocation

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reported major strides in using artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen transparency, improve resource allocation, and streamline leadership selection, in line with its aim to modernize governance through integrity-driven innovation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the midyear report of the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR) demonstrates DepEd’s efforts to align technology with accountability.

“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa teknolohiya, kundi sa pagtutuwid ng ating sistema. Kapag malinaw ang datos, mabilis ang tugon, at patas ang alokasyon, mas tumitibay ang tiwala ng mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral sa DepEd,” Angara said.

(This is not just about technology, but about fixing our system. When data is clear, responses are faster, and allocations are fair, the trust of teachers, parents, and students in DepEd grows stronger.) 

Among the flagship initiatives is Project TALINO, a digital mapping platform that gives real-time visibility of school needs nationwide. The system, already in use under the Adopt-A-School Secretariat, helps DepEd prioritize underserved and geographically isolated schools. It also integrates a pledge automation tool to streamline private sector donations in line with DepEd policies.

Another program, Project DUNONG, automates the processing of the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH). By employing dual scoring methods, it has reduced outsourcing costs, accelerated the release of results, and improved accuracy. Its dashboards also identify competency gaps among aspiring principals, guiding the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in designing targeted training. 

The system is now fully managed by the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development to help address over 24,000 leadership vacancies.

DepEd also rolled out Project SALIKSEEK, a GenAI-powered quick response tool that allows personnel to retrieve validated education data within seconds. 

Now with the Planning Service and ICTS, the tool strengthens evidence-based planning and decision-making across the department.

For the second half of 2025, DepEd said it will pilot new innovations, including Project SIGLA, an AI-based growth screening tool to detect stunted and underweight learners, and Project SABAY, which screens students for dyslexia and speech sound disorders. Both are designed to ease teachers’ administrative work and enable faster interventions for children with learning and health needs.

The agency is also preparing Project LIGTAS, a multi-hazard analytics platform to monitor school resilience against disasters. A prototype geospatial dashboard has already been developed and will be turned over to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service by yearend.

DepEd said these projects will expand into 2026, covering more datasets, more regions, and training programs for teachers and learners. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News