Negros Occidental Hosts First AI Education Summit

BACOLOD CITY — The 1st International AI Education Summit was held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, bringing together educators, researchers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in artificial intelligence in education.

The event, organized by the Office of the Governor through the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC), aimed to advance the role of AI in education and ensure its integration benefits learners and educators while addressing social, ethical, and technical concerns.

Jan Lambrechts, president and CEO of NUADU Singapore, discussed the transformation of education in the age of agentic AI.

Filip Czarnecki, president and CEO of EduExpert in Poland, spoke about the rise of human-AI co-dependence in Industry 5.0.

Gabriel Alonzo, management consultant for learning and strategic resource development at ePLOT Philippines, addressed the ethical dilemma of AI supremacy versus human control.

Alex Urrea, also president and CEO of EduExpert in Poland, talked about transformation in Education 5.0.

Dennis Franco Layug, president and CEO of East West International Educational Specialist Inc. Philippines, discussed the workforce of the future—AI-enhanced or AI-replaced.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the summit emphasized a shared vision that sees AI not as a replacement for human intelligence but as a powerful tool to enhance capabilities, expand access to knowledge, and create innovative learning environments.

Also present were Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the SP Committee on Education; Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz; Provincial Consultant Rafael Coscolluela; Executive Assistants to the Governor Charina Magallanes-Tan and Marie June Castro; and NOLITC Administrator Dr. Ma. Cristina Orbecido, among others.