NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Schools Step Into The AI Age As Marcos Launches DepEd's AGAP.AI Program
Photo credit: DepEd PH
Artificial intelligence is officially making its way into Philippine classrooms.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the launch of the Department of Education’s Project AGAP.AI—short for Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence—a nationwide push to integrate AI training and tools into basic education.
Speaking at Quezon City Science High School, the President said the initiative marks the start of a new chapter for Philippine education as the country moves full speed into 2026.
“As we hit the ground running in 2026, we start a new era in our educational system and in the way we train our young people,” Marcos said.
The President noted that the name AGAP.AI, derived from the Filipino word “agapay” or “to support,” reflects the program’s goal of bridging technology and education.
“This means students will learn how AI works, teachers will learn how to integrate AI into their lessons, and parents can guide their children in using AI safely and wisely at home,” he said.
Together with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Marcos toured booths showcasing education and technology innovations from DepEd’s local and international partners. During the event, the Office of the President donated two Starlink satellite internet units and an interactive Smartboard to Quezon City Science High School.
Marcos stressed that schools now carry the responsibility of ensuring students use AI confidently, ethically, and responsibly, so they stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
To support this, DepEd is crafting the Foundational Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education, which will serve as the country’s first national framework for ethical AI use in schools. The guidelines are being developed through consultations with students, teachers, parents, AI experts, and education partners.
With backing from the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org, DepEd will also roll out a national AI skills training program expected to reach up to 1.5 million Filipinos, including learners, teachers, and parents. The courses will cover AI literacy, responsible use, misinformation detection, privacy, and security.
“We are investing heavily in our teachers,” Marcos said, noting that AI-focused training will help educators teach responsibly while keeping pace with fast-evolving technologies.
DepEd will also pilot AI-powered tools to improve classroom instruction and school operations, while ensuring fairness and data privacy. Beyond policy and training, the department is partnering with institutions like MIT, MIT Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education, and Day of AI to embed AI concepts into the basic education curriculum.
“All of these initiatives will ensure that AI in education keeps pace with technology—and that every Filipino benefits from it,” Marcos said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the launch of the Department of Education’s Project AGAP.AI—short for Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence—a nationwide push to integrate AI training and tools into basic education.
Speaking at Quezon City Science High School, the President said the initiative marks the start of a new chapter for Philippine education as the country moves full speed into 2026.
“As we hit the ground running in 2026, we start a new era in our educational system and in the way we train our young people,” Marcos said.
The President noted that the name AGAP.AI, derived from the Filipino word “agapay” or “to support,” reflects the program’s goal of bridging technology and education.
“This means students will learn how AI works, teachers will learn how to integrate AI into their lessons, and parents can guide their children in using AI safely and wisely at home,” he said.
Together with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Marcos toured booths showcasing education and technology innovations from DepEd’s local and international partners. During the event, the Office of the President donated two Starlink satellite internet units and an interactive Smartboard to Quezon City Science High School.
Marcos stressed that schools now carry the responsibility of ensuring students use AI confidently, ethically, and responsibly, so they stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
To support this, DepEd is crafting the Foundational Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education, which will serve as the country’s first national framework for ethical AI use in schools. The guidelines are being developed through consultations with students, teachers, parents, AI experts, and education partners.
With backing from the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org, DepEd will also roll out a national AI skills training program expected to reach up to 1.5 million Filipinos, including learners, teachers, and parents. The courses will cover AI literacy, responsible use, misinformation detection, privacy, and security.
“We are investing heavily in our teachers,” Marcos said, noting that AI-focused training will help educators teach responsibly while keeping pace with fast-evolving technologies.
DepEd will also pilot AI-powered tools to improve classroom instruction and school operations, while ensuring fairness and data privacy. Beyond policy and training, the department is partnering with institutions like MIT, MIT Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education, and Day of AI to embed AI concepts into the basic education curriculum.
“All of these initiatives will ensure that AI in education keeps pace with technology—and that every Filipino benefits from it,” Marcos said.
Jan 9, 2026
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