- CHED calls on universities to integrate AI and enhance digital maturity.
- AI seen as key to keeping graduates competitive in a changing job market.
- CanvasCon 2025 highlights AI’s role in transforming education systems.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has urged colleges and universities in the Philippines to fully adopt artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and inclusive education practices to stay competitive and relevant.
Speaking at CanvasCon Philippines 2025 held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua Valenzuela emphasized that AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality in education, powering adaptive platforms and virtual labs.
She called on higher education institutions (HEIs) to speed up their digital transformation, integrate AI tools into teaching, and rethink outdated assessment models. “We’re still preparing students for yesterday’s jobs,” Valenzuela said, stressing the urgent need to align education with fast changing workforce demands.
Referencing ASEAN studies, she noted that over 50% of current jobs will require advanced digital skills by 2030. She added, “AI will help students not only prepare for the future of work but also for the future of life.”
The event gathered educators, tech leaders, and academic strategists to explore practical ways to personalize learning, improve teaching, and manage education through agentic AI, AI that empowers both teachers and learners.
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Valenzuela also highlighted the importance of ethics, equity, and sustainability in AI driven education.
Key speakers included leaders from Instructure, Holy Angel University, The Bean Center, and FEU Roosevelt. A panel on ‘Today’s Learner Journey, Reimagined’ showcased digital strategies aligned with CHED’s ongoing reforms.
CHED concluded that Philippine higher education must now shift from pilot efforts to full scale digital adoption to meet global standards.
