After years of mixed responses from individual schools, DepEd is taking a unified stance to regulate AI tools in basic education. The department has recently issued DepEd Order No. 003, series of 2026, entitled "Foundational Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Basic Education." This move comes amid the increasing use of conversational chatbots and automated platforms by students and teachers in Philippine schools.

The new policy mandates a central ledger of AI tools used in schools, which will be accessible to parents and education officials. The DepEd Order requires schools to obtain prior approval from the department before using any AI tool, and also calls for schools to ensure that students and teachers are properly trained on the responsible use of AI.

The policy's move to address concerns over AI misuse in schools is a significant step, given the rapid adoption of AI in education. However, critics have raised concerns that the new regulations may stifle innovation and creativity in the classroom.

One of the key provisions of the policy is the requirement that schools establish AI ethics committees to oversee the use of AI tools and ensure that they align with the department's guidelines.

The DepEd Order also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of AI tools, mandating that schools disclose the types of data collected by AI tools and how they are used.

The implementation of the new policy will be overseen by the DepEd's Bureau of Curriculum Development, which will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance.

Schools that fail to comply with the policy will face penalties, including the revocation of their permit to operate.

Philippine educators have welcomed the move, saying that it will help to promote a culture of responsible AI use in schools. Fe delos Reyes, a education expert at the University of the Philippines.

However, some lawmakers have questioned the effectiveness of the policy, citing concerns over enforcement and the lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes responsible AI use.

The DepEd has maintained that the policy is a necessary step towards regulating the use of AI in schools and ensuring that students and teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the digital age.

### Key Facts

  • DepEd Order No. 003, series of 2026, is the first comprehensive national regulatory framework governing AI use in Philippine basic education.
  • The policy requires schools to establish AI ethics committees to oversee the use of AI tools.
  • Schools must obtain prior approval from the DepEd before using any AI tool.
  • The DepEd will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with the policy.
  • Schools that fail to comply with the policy will face penalties, including the revocation of their permit to operate.

The DepEd's move to regulate AI use in schools comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with the challenges of implementing technology in education. The country has made significant strides in recent years, including the launch of the Philippine Digital Learning Program, which aims to provide all public schools with access to digital technology by 2030.

The country's education sector is a vital component of its economy, and the government has recognized the need to invest in the sector to drive growth and development.

The new policy is expected to have a significant impact on the education sector, and officials are keen to ensure that it is implemented effectively.

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