West Visayas State University (WVSU) spotlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education as Jose Jenil Demorito, assistant secretary of the Public Information Service of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office, delivered the keynote lecture during the University Convocation on Jan. 28 at the WVSU Cultural Center, a major highlight of the 2026 University Days celebration.
Held under the theme, “Banaag sang West: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations,” the convocation gathered university officials, faculty, staff, students and alumni to reflect on the University’s mission of excellence, service and innovation amid emerging technological and social challenges.
In his lecture, Demorito described AI as both a “boon and a bane,” emphasizing that while technology can enhance teaching, learning and productivity, its ethical and responsible use remains crucial. He urged WVSU to lead in cultivating AI literacy, transparency and human-centered innovation, stressing that AI should empower educators and students rather than replace human judgment, creativity and empathy.
Demorito illustrated AI’s creative potential by presenting videos generated from archival photographs, offering a nostalgic journey through student life with his college batchmates. He also challenged the University to integrate AI thoughtfully across instruction, research and administration, promoting a culture of responsible use, academic integrity and continuous innovation.
A highlight of the convocation was the screening of “Ang Yab-ok Nangin Amon Napanag-iyahan”, produced by Madyaas Productions of the WVSU College of Information and Communications Technology, as part of the DAR PelikulAgraryo Film Festival 2025. The award-winning film, which placed second in the Best Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations category, showcased the students’ contribution to digital storytelling and agrarian reform advocacy, reflecting the University’s growing role in leveraging media and technology for social development.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, vice president for Administration and Finance, underscored the University’s enduring radiance, noting that WVSU’s “banaag” is a collective glow shaped by service, commitment, and shared purpose that continues to illuminate communities.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz formally introduced Demorito, highlighting his distinguished career in broadcast media, corporate leadership and public service, and emphasizing his homecoming as a proud alumnus of the University’s Mass Communications Class of 1984 and one of the Most Outstanding Alumni during the university’s centennial anniversary.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to shaping the nation’s future through excellence in instruction, research, and community engagement, calling on the academic community to nurture integrity, diligence, innovation, and compassion in service of the Filipino people.
The University Convocation formed part of the weeklong 2026 University Days celebration, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to transformative education, ethical leadership and inclusive development in the digital age.
