The Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) on Thursday, Feb. 20, as part of its efforts to drive innovation in Philippine education through AI-powered solutions aligned with its 5-Point Reform Agenda.
In his keynote address, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the launch is a step toward fulfilling President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision.
“Hindi po tayo makikipagsabayan para lang masabi na ‘tech-savvy’ tayo. We are here to use AI as a tool for genuine, enduring reforms.”
The event gathered key figures from both the public and private sectors, including Senate Committee on Basic Education Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian, House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairperson Representative Roman Romulo, TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez, and DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.
Under DepEd’s leadership
DepEd stated that this initiative builds upon the groundbreaking work initiated by the Center for AI Research (CAIR) in 2024.
Now under DepEd’s leadership, E-CAIR will expand and enhance the Center’s mission to advance AI capabilities in the Philippine education sector—where AI can have a significant impact.
As the country’s first dedicated AI research hub for education, E-CAIR aims to revitalize basic education by developing AI-powered tools to improve teaching, learning, and school administration.
This initiative, DepEd said, fulfills President Marcos’ commitment to modernizing the education sector and providing Filipino students with quality, technology-driven learning aligned with global standards.
DepEd emphasized that E-CAIR will remain collaborative and inclusive, partnering with national and local government agencies, as well as industry stakeholders, to implement AI solutions that drive transformation across both public and private sectors.
The center, DepEd added, also supports the administration’s broader digital transformation vision, enhancing the role of technology in governance, education, and economic development.
Additionally, E-CAIR will leverage data-driven mapping through the Adopt-A-School Program to identify schools in need of infrastructure support, DepEd said.
DepEd also noted that E-CAIR will assist the agency in generating computer-based examination results and improving the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) qualification system.
AI-driven solutions for education
E-CAIR is already delivering impactful AI solutions for learners and teachers nationwide, including optimizing education voucher distribution; using computer vision to identify stunted and malnourished learners; enhancing screening for learners with disabilities; mapping natural hazards in schools; strengthening public-private partnerships through the Adopt-A-School Program; and improving school heads’ competencies.
Through its partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), DepEd seeks to position the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s AI education hub, leading the development of AI-driven solutions to address common educational challenges in the region.