Higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered at Seda Vertis North from July 1 to 2 for EdConnect 2026. Organized by C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS), the country’s only comprehensive learning and research solutions provider, the national conference served as a platform for thought leadership and strategic collaboration to help shape the future of Philippine higher education.

Endorsed by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and featuring Mapúa University as Guest of Honor, the event tackled key issues facing higher education institutions (HEIs), including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, workforce readiness, quality assurance, and global competitiveness. Across two days, delegates participated in plenary and parallel sessions, panel discussions, and solution showcases focused on practical strategies for HEIs.

Opening the conference, C&E ALS chief executive officer John Emyl Eugenio emphasized that meaningful transformation begins with collaboration.

"At its heart, EdConnect begins with a simple belief: the future of education is not built in isolation. It is built through connection,” Eugenio shared. "When education connects, innovation accelerates. When innovation accelerates, institutions grow stronger. And when institutions grow stronger, every learner benefits.”

Recognized for its leadership in digital transformation and outcomes-based education, Mapúa University reinforced the conference’s focus on academic excellence and future-ready learning.

Executive vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino called on HEIs to reimagine education as more adaptive, inclusive, innovative, and transformative.

"Transformation in education is no longer optional. It is imperative," she said.

Meanwhile, Mapúa president and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo challenged institutions to rethink their role in an AI-driven world.

"We're facing a problem in terms of relevance," he said, noting that universities are increasingly being asked to justify the value of a degree amid the rise of AI and shifting workforce demands. He added that universities must not only adapt to change but also actively shape it.

For graduates entering an unpredictable job market where AI is overtaking traditional entry-level roles, Maestrecampo pointed to one capability above all others.

"Adaptability is the meta-skill now," he declared. “Making sure that our graduates can adapt to the changes and make themselves ready to learn continuously—this is the idea of lifelong learning.”

EdConnect 2026 also featured the ceremonial handover of Mapúa’s iconic Builder statue, symbolizing the shared commitment of Mapúa University and C&E ALS to collaboration, industry-academe partnerships, and educational excellence.

Speaking at her first public engagement following the Philippines' recent leadership of regional higher education discussions under the country's 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairmanship, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the importance of preparing graduates for an increasingly digital economy.

"Preparing graduates today is no longer simply about equipping them with disciplinary knowledge,” she said. “It is about ensuring that they possess the digital competence, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled world."

Agrupis noted that nearly 45 percent of job postings across the Asia-Pacific region now require digital competencies and highlighted CHED's efforts to advance AI, lifelong learning, and regional collaboration through Philippine-backed initiatives adopted by ASEAN education ministers.

EdConnect 2026 also marked the official launch and induction of officers of the Philippine Executive Council of Academic Affairs (PECAA), the country's first national organization dedicated to vice presidents for academic affairs. Led by Board chairman Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo, Jr., president Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado, and executive vice president Dr. Trixie Marie J. Sison, the organization aims to advance academic leadership and collaboration among Philippine HEIs.

The conference likewise saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between C&E ALS and the British Council, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to international benchmarking, professional development, and curriculum innovation.

Closing the conference, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara brought the conversation back to the purpose behind educational innovation. As institutions embrace AI and digital transformation, he emphasized that progress should ultimately expand opportunity, foster inclusion, and remain grounded in human values.

"This is the simplest definition of a human-centered institution: it is a place where technology helps people become more human,” Angara said.

EdConnect 2026 concluded with a shared recognition that preparing future-ready graduates requires more than adopting emerging technologies. It demands stronger partnerships, forward-looking policies, and a steadfast commitment to human-centered education.

For more information about EdConnect 2026, visit https://ceals.ph/edconnect2026.