With the ongoing collaboration between the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Department of Education Regional Office VI (DepEd RO6) in strengthening the research culture of grassroots teachers in Western Visayas, the team from the UPV Community Outreach Program – Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (COP-BIDANI) and Action Research Project (UPV ARP) conducted a capacity-building activity on Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI) and Artificial Intelligence in basic education with the theme, Balancing the Algorithm: AI Strategies for Institutional Health and Wellness, on 3-6 March 2026 at J7 Hotel, Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The activity aimed to enhance the participants’ competencies in the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in various stages of the research process, promote research integrity and responsible AI integration, strengthen the integration of research initiatives in advancing the Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI) framework; and to support the development of research-based innovations aligned with AI-informed and healthy learning systems.
The activity included lecture sessions, group dynamics, hands-on writing exercises, output presentation, and a feedback session. Asst Prof. Early Sol A. Gadong, Asso. Prof. Zoilo S. Andrada, Jr., PhD, Asst. Prof. Donne Jone P. Sodusta, PhD, and Asst. Prof. Helen Grace Concepcion Q. Fernandez served as the activity’s resource persons and facilitators. It was spearheaded by the Faculty-in-Charge of COP-BIDANI, Ms. Czarinnah G. Araneta, MA and UPV ARP Co-Manager Mr. Prabhat Ranjan B. Ubas, MMCom, who also served as resource persons.
Dr. Leo B. Dedoroy, Chief Education Supervisor of the Policy, Planning, and Research Division (PPRD) of DepEd RO6, delivered a message during the opening program. He emphasized that “it is high time for schools in Western Visayas to be AI-informed and at the same time ‘extra healthy’ in providing a safe, conducive, and holistic environment for learners and staff in the coming years.”
The activity was attended by the members of the Regional Research Committee (RRC), the Senior Education Program Supervisors for Planning and Research (SEPS-PR) of the various schools divisions, and the Regional Technical Working Committee (TWC). PPRD Planning Officer III Mr. Alan Pornel organized the activity.
The capacity-building activity concluded with a collective commitment from participants to complete their drafts of the process-enabling guidelines and mechanics, and the quality-assuring parameters and rubrics for the responsible use of AI tools in research.
Written by Mr. Prabhat Ranjan B. Ubas, COP-BIDANI
Photo Credits: Asst. Prof. Helen Grace Concepcion Q. Fernandez
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