Lawmaker seeks ‘ethical AI guidelines’ for tech-driven learning

MANILA, Philippines —  A senior administration lawmaker at the House of Representatives yesterday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to establish “ethical guidelines” as it integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and technology into the education sector.

“We have to accept that AI is already part of our lives, so we must ensure that it is utilized properly,” Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco stressed.

“I welcome the efforts of the DepEd to utilize AI in its learning modalities and delivery. This is a much-needed step to modernize learning in our schools,” Tiangco, who heads the House’s committee on information and communications technology, added.

In a statement, the congressman underscored the importance of guidelines to protect teachers and students from inaccurate information and potentially harmful interactions.

“We don’t want these tech tools to hamper their development in any form, or expose them to predatory online practices,” he added.

Tiangco also emphasized the need to equip educators with proper knowledge on how to handle AI and related technologies.

Furthermore, the lawmaker urged the DepEd to ensure that AI technologies introduced in schools empower students and promote self-development.

Tech-related bills

Meanwhile, Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas has filed four bills, all aimed at providing Filipinos with the capacity to adapt in the fast-changing and evolving digital era.

House Bill (HB) 1633, or the proposed Financial Literacy for Workers Act, aims to equip workers with essential financial knowledge to make informed decisions and enhance their economic stability.

HB 1634, or the proposed Financial and Retirement Literacy for Midlife and Older Filipinos, focuses on enhancing the financial security of midlife and older individuals through targeted literacy programs.

HB 8831, or the proposed Digital Literacy in Basic Education Curriculum, seeks to integrate digital literacy into the basic education curriculum to prepare students for success in a technology-driven environment.

HB 7168, or the proposed Free Education for Senior Citizens, proposes education programs for senior citizens, enabling them to pursue personal growth.

Vargas noted that his filing the four bills was in celebration of International Day of Lifelong Learning last week, when he reaffirmed his commitment to equip Filipinos with skills and competencies necessary in an era of non-stop technological evolution.

The pieces of legislation that he authored are necessary for “life-long learning and skills development suitable for all age brackets, namely the school-age group, the young adults and the senior citizens.”

EDCOM 2

The DepEd remains committed to working with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to address the gaps in the country’s education system, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said yesterday.

In a statement, Angara thanked Congress and EDCOM 2 for supporting the DepEd and for passing laws recommended by EDCOM 2, which he said helped the DepEd in its push for reforms in the education sector.

Created through Republic Act (RA) 11899 in 2022, EDCOM 2 is mandated to assess the education sector and recommend reforms and policies to address the persistent issues hounding schools – whether formal or alternative learning systems.

It is headed by the Senate and House’s chairpersons for legislative committees concerning education.

Currently, they are Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Alan Peter Cayetano and Representatives Roman Romulo of Pasig and Mark Go of Baguio City, with fellow lawmakers sitting as commissioners.

Angara was referring to the 37 priority bills in the legislative process, with five already enacted into law, including RA 12028, or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Law, and RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. –  Neil Jayson Servallos