MANILA, Philippines — Amidst the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools in the Philippine education system, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that the human element of teaching remains the most vital component of learning.
Speaking at a recent gathering of educators, the President acknowledged the necessity of modernizing classrooms with laptops and AI-driven platforms to keep Filipino students competitive. However, he maintained that technology serves only as a tool and can never substitute for the “love and dedication” that teachers provide.
“We can provide every child with a laptop, and we can utilize the most advanced AI to assist in lessons, but the love of a teacher for their students is irreplaceable,” Marcos said. “No machine can provide the mentorship, the moral guidance, and the empathy that our teachers give to our children every single day.”
Key Highlights from the Address:
- Digital Transformation: The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) digital programs, aiming to bridge the digital divide in far-flung areas.
- AI in the Classroom: Marcos noted that while AI can personalize learning paths and handle administrative tasks, it lacks the “soul” required to inspire students to become better citizens.
- Teacher Welfare: He underscored that the administration’s focus is not just on infrastructure, but on supporting teachers through better training, competitive benefits, and a reduced administrative workload.
- The “Human Factor”: The President called teachers the “architects of the nation’s soul,” highlighting their role in shaping the character and values of the youth—a task he says is beyond the capability of any algorithm.
The speech comes at a time when DepEd is under pressure to improve the country’s performance in global learning assessments. While the government pushes for “Smart Campuses” and coding in basic education, the President’s remarks serve as a reminder that the core of the Philippine educational recovery hinges on the welfare and passion of its 900,000-strong teaching force.