SONA 2026: Marcos says 1.8 million students, parents, teachers trained in AI readiness

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said around 1.8 million students, parents, and teachers have undergone training to prepare them for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the initiative forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen digital literacy and equip Filipinos with the skills needed for emerging technologies.

“Hindi lamang mga mag-aaral ang naghahanda para sa kinabukasan. Humigit-kumulang isang milyon at walong daang libong estudyante, magulang, at guro ang sinanay natin para sa AI readiness,” he said.

(It is not only students who are preparing for the future. Around 1.8 million students, parents, and teachers have been trained to become AI-ready.)

However, he did not provide additional details about the AI readiness training, including when it was conducted, how participants were selected, or which agencies implemented the program.

The President made the remark as he highlighted his administration's digital transformation initiatives in the education sector.

—VBL, GMA News