DepEd backs new national AI hub, cites safeguards in school integration

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday welcomed the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI), saying the initiative supports the responsible and regulated integration of artificial intelligence in basic education.

Led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), NAICRI is positioned as the country’s institutional platform for AI research, shared computing infrastructure, and innovation across priority sectors.

It forms part of the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS-PH), in line with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s long-term AI ecosystem.

DepEd said the establishment of NAICRI complements its ongoing reforms in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and governance systems within the education sector.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency aims to prepare learners for an AI-driven future while ensuring safeguards are in place.

“Education must be both protected and future-ready,” Angara said. “We will harness AI to close learning gaps, strengthen governance, and empower teachers—but always with safeguards, transparency, and human oversight.”

AI integration framework in schools

Even before NAICRI’s launch, DepEd said it had institutionalized AI integration across three pillars: AI in Education, Education on AI, and AI for Education Systems, anchored on learner protection and human-centered innovation.

Among its initiatives are:

• Project TALINO, a digital mapping system that provides real-time insights into school needs to improve planning and coordination with partners;
• Project DUNONG, which automates the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads;
• Project SALIKSEEK, a generative AI-powered tool designed to help personnel quickly access structured education data.

To regulate AI use in schools, DepEd earlier issued its Foundational Guidelines on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education. The policy establishes a risk-based framework aligned with global standards.

The guidelines prohibit high-risk applications such as social scoring, manipulative chatbots targeting minors, and biometric emotion recognition. They also require Privacy Impact Assessments, the creation of a DepEd AI Registry, and strict compliance with data privacy and child protection laws before deployment of AI systems.

DepEd said the creation of NAICRI strengthens coordination between research institutions and implementing agencies, with education positioned as both a beneficiary and contributor to the country’s broader AI ecosystem.

As NAICRI begins operations, the department said it remains focused on developing learners who are critical thinkers and responsible users of emerging technologies.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News