DepEd unveils notable progress in AI-powered reforms, to pilot more innovations

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported ‘significant’ progress of artificial intelligence (AI) usage in improving the transparency, resource allocation, and leadership selection as part of the current administration’s aim of modernized and integrity-driven governance in the country.

DepEd chair Sonny Angara highlighted last Tuesday the midyear report from the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR), reflecting DepEd’s alignment of technology to accountability.

“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa teknolohiya, kundi sa pagtutuwid ng ating sistema. Kapag malinaw ang datos, mabilis ang tugon, at patas ang alokasyon, mas tumitibay ang tiwala ng mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral sa DepEd,” Angara said.

Three projects were established, including Project TALINO, Project DUNONG, and Project SALIKSEEK.

Project TALINO, a digital mapping platform that will provide real-time visibility of school needs, is already in use under the Adopt-A-School Secretariat with a pledge automation tool feature, determining and prioritizing ‘underserved and geographically isolated schools’ nationwide.

Guided by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP), another is Project DUNONG that automates the processing of the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), characterized by its dual scoring methods, eyeing insights, and areas of capabilities among aspiring principals.

Project SALIKSEEK, on the other hand, is described as a GenAI-powered quick response tool, allowing personnel to retrieve validated education-related data.

Under the Planning Service and ICTS, it serves as the country’s capacity for evidence-based planning and decision-making.

Furthermore, three other initiatives, named Project SIGLA, Project SABAY, and Project LIGTAS, will be piloted in the second half of 2025.

These three will be employed for detecting stunted and underweight learners, screening students for dyslexia and speech sound disorders, and monitoring school resilience to disasters, respectively.

DepEd’s AI-powered innovation is designed to ease the administrative responsibilities of the teachers while fastening interventions to the needs and supports among students and schools.

Angara pointed out that integrity remains the ‘heart of educational modernization’, where these AI-powered reforms will embed ‘a long-term culture of data-driven innovation’ across the country’s education system.
In 2026, the agency’s projects will expand to cover more datasets, more regions, and training programs for teachers and students.