‘IT’S ONLY A TOOL’: AI for All Iloilo launch pushes responsible tech use

ILOILO CITY — Students, educators, business groups, and community organizations gathered at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City campus on Sept. 21 for the launch of “AI for All Iloilo: Artificial Intelligence Made Practical for Everyone!”

The initiative promotes artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and the responsible use of the technology.

Asia Pacific College leads the initiative in collaboration with SM Supermalls and IBM SkillsBuild, with the Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE), the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo, and Converge as partners.

The program introduces participants to basic AI concepts and practical applications while addressing concerns involving misinformation, privacy, bias, ethics, and the limitations of the technology.

ICE Chairman Junie Pama said AI should be used to enhance human capabilities rather than replace human judgment.

“Don’t use AI to stop thinking. Use AI to think better,” Pama said.

He also encouraged students to develop AI-powered solutions to problems in their communities and to work with people from different fields.

The Iloilo provincial government also backed the initiative, with Provincial Administrator Raul Banias representing Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. at the launch.

Banias said the program could help local government units (LGUs) develop the skills needed to use digital technology in addressing community concerns.

He cited education as one area where technology could help improve outcomes, pointing to data showing gaps in reading proficiency among Filipino learners.

In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Filipino 15-year-olds posted an average reading score of 347, well below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average of 476 and among the lowest of the 81 participating countries and economies.

“If we can empower LGUs, we can empower learning outcomes,” Banias said.

He added that AI tools could help improve government services but should not replace human judgment, empathy, or leadership.

UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano stressed the importance of developing basic AI knowledge and skills as the technology continues to evolve.

Camposano said the quality of results users get from AI also depends on how they interact with the technology, including how they formulate prompts and questions.

“AI is a new technology, and we cannot overemphasize the fact that it is still in its early stages. For this technology to evolve with us, rather than by itself, we need to actively engage with it,” he said.

For Asia Pacific College President Teresita Medado, expanding access to AI education is part of preparing students for the technology’s growing role in society.

“AI will not save the world. AI is only a tool,” Medado said.

She said the initiative seeks to bring AI learning beyond traditional classrooms and make it accessible to the public, including people visiting SM Supermalls.

Lope Doromal Jr., IBM technical community leader, introduced IBM SkillsBuild during the launch, highlighting its learning pathways and continuing education opportunities.

Through the free platform, participants can pursue further training and earn digital badges and microcredentials that may support academic development, employability, and career growth.

Students from UP High School in Iloilo and UPV’s Computer Science program attended the launch, along with representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rotary International, Junior Chamber International, and the Central Philippine University Technology Business Incubator.