Ateneo hosts first Philippine University Forum for the Digital Education Council

Image

Ateneo de Manila University, through the Ateneo Institute for the Science & Art of Learning & Teaching (Ateneo SALT Institute), hosted the first Philippine University Forum for the Digital Education Council (DEC) on Monday, 5 May 2025. The event, which took place at the Loft at Areté, served as a way for the DEC to present its data on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education to officials of various Philippine higher education institutions.

Founded in 2024, the Digital Education Council was formed with the aim of becoming a global community of higher education institutions committed to driving sustainable innovation and AI adoption in higher education and workforce development. Its initial members were the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Bocconi University, Esade, the Melbourne Business School, Singapore Management University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and the Wits Business School.

Ateneo officially joined DEC earlier this year, becoming the first Philippine higher education institution to do so. 

In attendance were the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, and Undersecretary for Strategic Management Dr Ronald Mendoza. The latter is a former Dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

Also in attendance were various leaders and representatives from higher education institutions throughout the Philippines, including the University of Santo Tomas (also a DEC member), Adamson University, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, Asian Institute of Management, Asia Pacific College, Bicol University, Bulacan State University, Centro Escolar University, De La Salle University Manila, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Enderun Colleges, Holy Angel University, Lyceum University of the Philippines, Mapua University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, PHINMA University, Tarlac State University, Technological University of the Philippines, University of Asia and the Pacific, University of Cebu, University of the Assumption, University of the East, and University of the Philippines Diliman.

The event was opened by Secretary Angara, who spoke on the pressing challenges facing Philippine education. He shared his hope that partnerships like this will help close the gaps in the system, especially with the support of technology to improve teaching and how students learn.

Following Sec Angara's remarks, Alessandro Di Lullo, CEO of DEC, presented a keynote on the impact of artificial intelligence in higher education. He shared that, according to DEC data, many students are now turning to their teachers for guidance on how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.

After a short coffee break, a panel discussion on the future of the Philippine workforce in the age of AI featured Fr Bobby Yap SJ, Ateneo President, and Jeffrey Xu, Senior Education Specialist at the Asian Development Bank.

Fr Yap shared how the university upholds academic integrity through the responsible use of AI, guided by clear policies. Jeffrey then shared data that up to 60% of jobs could be replaced by AI by 2030, highlighting the urgency of preparing learners for a future shaped by emerging technologies.

The event concluded with a review of the framework on digital and AI literacy, outlining the core skills and knowledge needed by both students and educators to succeed in a tech-driven world.

In addition, DEC CEO Di Lullo and DEC President Daniel Bielik presented Dr Yap with a plaque, recognizing Ateneo's contributions to the DEC including its role in organizing the forum.

This partnership between Ateneo and DEC reinforces the University’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, ensuring our community remains at the forefront of digital transformation in education.