Cebu schools urged to teach AI as province eyes China partnership
The Cebu Provincial Board has passed a resolution urging schools across the province to integrate artificial intelligence courses and skills into their academic programs. The move comes as AI becomes a critical tool in education and the workplace.
Board Member Loren Singco authored the resolution, approved during the board's regular session on July 13, 2026. It calls on educational institutions to offer AI-related courses and weave AI subjects into existing curricula.
“Artificial Intelligence can serve as a valuable educational tool that supports students in their studies by enhancing learning experiences, providing access to information and resources, and assisting in the development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” the resolution states.
The measure also highlights that AI literacy can boost students' workplace readiness after graduation, increasing productivity and helping them adapt to shifting demands in their chosen fields.
What sparked the push for AI education in Cebu?
The resolution follows a study mission to Nanning City in Guangxi, China, led by Singco from June 23 to 26, 2026. During the visit, the Cebu delegation toured institutions involved in AI development. Nanning officials expressed interest in partnerships with Cebu schools, particularly in student exchange programs and co-developing AI courses.
The Guangxi Vocational College, for instance, signaled its intent to collaborate with Cebu on advancing AI-related educational initiatives. Such cooperation could open doors for Cebu students to gain hands-on experience in one of the world's fastest-growing tech hubs.
How does DepEd regulate AI in schools?
The board's call aligns with the Department of Education's Order No. 003, series of 2026, issued on February 20. The order sets guidelines for responsible AI use in basic education, covering engagement with AI providers and implementation systems.
Under the order, AI applications in teaching, learning, and assessment should only support lesson preparation, feedback, and administrative tasks. Teachers must retain final decision-making authority in the learning process. AI cannot replace teachers or fully assess students.
For learners, DepEd mandates integrating AI literacy into the curriculum, including critical thinking and ethical considerations. The goal is to help students understand AI's benefits while recognizing its risks.
“Without clear safeguards, standards, and guidance, AI may deepen existing divides or create new ones,” the order warns.
The approved resolution will be sent to the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education in Cebu Province for guidance. Private schools may adopt the DepEd guidelines as long as they align with their objectives and existing laws.
As AI reshapes industries from farming to finance, Cebu's move positions its students to compete in a global economy. But the province is also treading carefully, balancing innovation with the Catholic values that underpin much of Filipino society. The partnership with China, while pragmatic, raises questions about data sovereignty and cultural influence — questions that reformers in Manila and Cebu will need to answer soberly.