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Neil Jayson Servallos - The Philippine Star
February 21, 2025 | 12:00am
This file photo shows a facade of the Department of Education.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) launched yesterday the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR), a new initiative designed to provide schools across the country with AI-driven tools to enhance both teaching and learning.
E-CAIR is an extension of the government’s Center for AI Research (CAIR), established in 2024 with the goal of positioning the Philippines as a leader in AI applications.
“CAIR will sustain and expand its mission to advance AI capabilities in the Philippines, especially in areas where AI can have the greatest impact, particularly in education. It will deepen its focus on revitalizing the Philippine education landscape through the creation of the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) as a key focus area,” DepEd said.
While E-CAIR’s focus is on education, CAIR continues to work closely with government agencies and industries to promote AI adoption for broader innovation and competitiveness.
DepEd views E-CAIR as a platform to elevate the Philippines as a regional leader in AI-driven education.
In partnership with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, E-CAIR plans to expand its AI solutions across Southeast Asia.
The initiative seeks “to address shared challenges and showcase the Philippines’ leadership in leveraging technology for inclusive and sustainable educational outcomes.”
CAIR, which operates under the Department of Trade and Industry, supports collaborative AI research and development and fosters partnerships among government agencies, universities, research institutes, startups and multinational companies.
It also provides consultancy services and AI technology products to aid the digital transformation of local businesses.
Ghost students
The Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) has expressed support for the DepEd investigation into the “ghost student” scheme within the senior high school (SHS) voucher program.
“The PEAC stands firmly with the DepEd in ensuring transparency and accountability in the administration of education subsidies. Any misuse of government resources must be met with strict corrective measures to ensure the proper allocation of public funds for the intended beneficiaries,” PEAC said in a statement.
“The PEAC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the proper implementation of the subsidy programs. Together, we will continue working towards a transparent, fair and effective voucher program that truly serves the needs of Filipino learners,” it added.
Since its launch nine years ago, the SHS voucher program has benefited 6.1 million Filipino students. Currently, it supports 1,287,144 students in 4,421 private senior high schools nationwide.
DepEd is currently investigating personnel and officials suspected of facilitating fraudulent activities in 12 private schools and exploring additional safeguards, such as improved validation systems, to prevent further fraud.
Earlier, Education Secretary Sonny Angara remarked that while the early exposure of the scheme saved millions of pesos, those involved, even if they are DepEd officials, will face just punishments to deter future misconduct.
Last year, senators flagged around 19,000 “ghosts” or undocumented students receiving government assistance. They also discovered that over P7 billion was spent on non-poor beneficiaries of the SHS voucher program.
