West Visayas State University showcased its commitment to artificial intelligence in education at the 16th SEAMEO INNOTECH International Conference and Technical Seminar, held May 15-16 at The Manila Hotel.
With the theme “AI in Education: Unlocking Potential Through Accessible and Equitable Learning,” the event gathered educators, policymakers, and technology experts across Southeast Asia to discuss AI’s role in promoting inclusive and transformative learning.
Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla and University Distance Education (UDE) Director Dr. Daisy Rosano represented WVSU at the two-day event.
The first day featured a technical seminar organized by SEAMEO INNOTECH and UNESCO titled, “Preparing Teachers to Innovate Using Digital Technology – Action Research Presentation.” Nyi Nyi Thaung, program specialist at UNESCO Bangkok, delivered the overview and key findings, focusing on teacher capacity-building through technology and innovation.
The university presented its research project, “Teacher TrAIning: Empowering Educators of a Higher Education Institution through AI,” led by Dr. Rosano and presented by Dr. Dequilla.
Several universities from Thailand and the Philippines also presented institutional research initiatives, including Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Thailand; and Western Mindanao State University and Don Mariano Marcos State University in the Philippines.
On the second day, the conference, co-hosted by the Department of Education, focused on shaping a regional policy framework for artificial intelligence in education. In her keynote address, SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Majah-Leah Ravago emphasized that AI should be viewed not as a luxury but as a tool for equity.
“Let us agree to build systems where AI is not a luxury, but a right; not a substitute for teaching, but a partner in deepening learning,” Ravago said.
Dr. Dequilla joined a panel discussion titled “AI in Higher Education: Transforming Teaching, Research, and Institutional Innovation,” along with Praweenya Suwannatthachote, associate professor at Chulalongkorn University, and Thaung of UNESCO.
The conference concluded with a networking dinner and cultural show featuring student performers from the Philippine High School for the Arts.
SEAMEO INNOTECH is a regional center under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization that promotes educational innovation and technology integration in Southeast Asia.
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Text by Wina May de la Cruz/PAMCO
Photos from VPAA, UDE
