The Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing forward a regional effort with its Southeast Asian counterparts to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI)–driven digital infrastructure in basic education, positioning technology as a practical tool to raise learning outcomes and ease teachers’ day-to-day workload.

In a statement Tuesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara urged education leaders and development partners to advance AI readiness to ensure a quality basic education system in Southeast Asia.

“The Philippines does not see the digital race as a solitary journey. We stand ready to walk alongside our ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors – sharing our insights, our resources, and our steadfast commitment,” he said.

“A future-ready ASEAN cannot be built on guesswork or lofty rhetoric alone. It must be grounded in the lived realities of our people,” Angara added.

The Education chief made the statement following the 3rd Regional Policy Convening of the AI Ready ASEAN Programme in Pasig City on Monday.

The convening was held under the AI Ready ASEAN initiative of the ASEAN Foundation and seeks to expand AI literacy and campaign for its responsible use among ASEAN member states.

Under the regional collaboration, more accessible digital learning tools, better online and blended learning platforms, and data-driven interventions will be made available for Filipino learners.

For Filipino learners, the regional collaboration is intended to deliver more accessible digital learning tools, better-designed online and blended learning platforms, and data-driven interventions that help schools identify and address learning gaps early.

These efforts are aimed at making learning more responsive to individual needs while ensuring that the use of technology remains ethical, inclusive, and age-appropriate.

Teachers, meanwhile, are set to gain from shared ASEAN policy frameworks that prioritize practical classroom support.

DepEd officials said AI-enabled systems are being positioned to streamline administrative work, strengthen lesson planning through smarter digital resources, and provide timely insights on student progress – allowing teachers to spend more time on teaching and direct learner engagement.

The country’s participation is anchored on the DepEd’s Project AGAP.AI (Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence).

“Together, we can build a digitally empowered region where growth is shared and progress is collective,” Angara said.

Under the AI Ready ASEAN Program, almost 796,000 teachers and learners have completed training on the fundamentals of AI literacy in the Philippines.

The AI Ready ASEAN Program is supported by a grant from Google.org. (PNA)