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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UP trains first batch of employees to build AI-powered workflow systems

UP trains first batch of employees to build AI-powered workflow systems

Published Mar 11, 2026 03:21 pm
First batch of participants in the Dx Labs: AI for Institutional Transformation workshop conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP Photo)
First batch of participants in the Dx Labs: AI for Institutional Transformation workshop conducted by the University of the Philippines (UP Photo)
Nineteen employees and staff from across the University of the Philippines (UP) system have completed a four-month preparatory training in programming and AI-native coding, becoming the first batch trained to build artificial intelligence-powered workflow systems for university offices.
The trainees qualified for the Dx Labs AI for Institutional Transformation in UP: Automating UP System Workflows Using AI Agents Workshop, where they developed minimum viable products of AI-powered office workflows based on real-world problems within the university.
The onsite workshop and culminating event were held on March 5 and 6 at the National Engineering Center in UP Diliman.
During the two-day workshop, participants learned how to code with, context engineer, design, and orchestrate AI agent systems, enabling them to create solutions that automate routine office processes.
Among the workflows developed were systems for database information updating, email communications management, certificate processing, and report generation, demonstrating how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and improve operational efficiency.
The initiative highlights the growing role of agentic AI in transforming workplaces, encouraging institutions and workers to collaborate with emerging technologies rather than view them as a threat.
“An AI employee is very valuable. It is to your advantage to learn this now. Even if you do not have a background in Computer Science. You just need to understand the basics and lean in your expertise,” said Rowel Atienza, the workshop’s resource person, UP scientist, professor, and a key contributor to the development of the country’s first Master of Engineering and PhD programs in Artificial Intelligence.
University officials said the program aims to build internal capability in developing AI solutions tailored to the university’s operational needs.
UP envisions forming self-sustaining communities of practice across its units, with the Dx Labs AI 2026 completers expected to take the lead in promoting the use of AI tools within the institution.
The initiative supports UP President Angelo Jimenez’s Flagship Program 10 on Digital Transformation and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
By developing in-house expertise and custom AI solutions, the university said it can reduce dependence on external vendors while addressing its own operational requirements.

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