CHEd calls on PH universities, colleges to embrace AI learning methods
Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chief Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela has urged higher education institutions to accelerate digital maturity, integrating AI and rethinking assessment models to ensure graduates remain competitive in an evolving workforce. She warned that many education systems are still preparing students for yesterday’s jobs.
“AI is no longer the future. It is actually here—from adaptive learning platforms to virtual laboratories,” Valenzuela said in her opening keynote at the CanvasCon Philippines 2025 held on Sept 10, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City. She added: “In ASEAN alone, studies show that by 2030 more than half of existing jobs will require advanced digital skills.”
The one-day conference gathered educators, administrators, and private sector leaders to discuss practical strategies for reimagining the learner journey through AI and digital platforms. Among the central themes was agentic AI—its potential to personalize learning, transform teaching, and simplify academic management.
How the chip works
Neuralink is designed to be implanted directly into the skull and features a series of ultra-thin wires that extend into the brain. According to a September 2023 announcement from the company, these wires are inserted into the region responsible for controlling movement intentions.
Apparently, the first goal of this so-called ‘brain chip’ is to allow people to control their electronic devices using only their thoughts. Neuralink is designed to restore autonomy to people with paralysis, allowing them to control phones and computers using only their thoughts—a capability the company calls “telepathy.”
Reference: The controversial blend of the human brain and technology
Key speakers included Ryan Lufkin, Instructure Vice President for Global Academic Strategy; Harrison Kelly, Instructure Managing Director for APAC; Martin Bean, CEO of The Bean Center; Leopoldo Valdez, OIC President of Holy Angel University; and Alma Emerita V. De La Cruz, Senior Vice President of FEU Roosevelt.
A highlight panel titled “Today’s Learner Journey, Reimagined” examined how digital tools are shaping more flexible and connected learner experiences, which CHEd has been advancing in its post-pandemic education reforms. For CHEd, CanvasCon 2025 underscored the need for HEIs to move from experimentation to full-scale digital transformation, positioning Philippine higher education alongside international standards.
In 2024, CHEd started to finetune its curriculum requirements to meet quickly evolving changes in job markets, according to Commissioner Valenzuela. The Commission cited a 2023 study by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,
showing the top fastest growing jobs in the region were AI and machine learning specialties; data analysts and scientists; sustainability specialists; robotics engineer; business intelligence analysts; big data specialists; information security analysts, among others.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority division chief Gemma Lorena Reyes said that they are in constant communication with different industries to determine how they can revamp their curriculum to meet the new trend. “We coordinate with the industry in the development of our curriculum and one of these aspects are on AI and robotics,” Reyes explained.
Reference: CHED calls for AI integration in schools
Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems.
Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.
