DTI donates computer equipment to support DepEd programs promoting AI

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are working together to better equip the workforce with future-ready skills, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

On Tuesday, DTI donated P2.6 million worth of computers to DepEd to support its efforts in building “AI capability and equipping learners and educators with AI-powered tools.”

“The DTI stands firmly with our partners in education and workforce development in cultivating globally competitive Filipino talent,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said.

“Through this partnership, we are advancing human capital by integrating digital tools into our education system — bringing meaningful improvements to our schools and communities that will ultimately uplift our local industries,” she added.

According to the DTI, the equipment will aid the full transfer and operationalization of the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) system from the DTI to DepEd.

In February, the DepEd launched E-CAIR with the aim of integrating AI into the education sector.

By June, E-CAIR is expected to “deploy high-impact digital tools focused on improving operational efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, enhancing data-driven policymaking, and strengthening student support systems.”

According to Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara, the government hopes to increase the country’s competitiveness through AI.

“It will help. But it is not a solution in itself. AI will be part of all our lives, so we have to be familiar with it,” he said.

The DepEd intends to use AI to address malnutrition and identify overcrowded and under-capacitated schools.

“We need to capacitate our teachers and our students to be familiar with AI because that is the future,” he said, noting that some employers are already looking for AI skills. — Justine Irish D. Tabile