De La Salle University said on Wednesday that it aims to produce critical, ethical, and normative thinking leaders in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry through its newly launched program, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence (BA-PAI).听
“The AB-PAI is our commitment to developing human-centered AI leaders who can ensure these powerful tools are used for social good and global welfare,鈥 Benito L. Teehankee, one of the course designers, said in a statement.听
The transdisciplinary degree, which bridges humanities and technology, is a collaboration between the university鈥檚 College of Liberal Arts, the College of Computer Studies, and the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business.听
Topics to be discussed in the program include ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations in the development and deployment of AI.听
Mr. Teehankee noted that one of the drivers of the new program is the rising demand for AI-skilled workers. 鈥淭he rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence demands professionals who can not only build new technologies but also critically assess their impact on society.鈥听
As the emerging technology continues to expand across different industries, online learning platform Coursera underscored that Filipino learners are striving to meet the demands that come with the听new technology.听
Data from the platform鈥檚 year-end report showed that the Philippines recorded around 125,000 generative AI enrollments in 2025,听mainly in听courses offered by Google, IBM, and听DeepLearning.AI.听
According to the 2025 Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), AI, big data, networks, cybersecurity, and technological literacy are among the most in-demand skills by 2030.听
The report added that AI and other technologies are expected to displace nine million jobs within the next five years. However, it would also create about 11 million new positions by 2030.听
DepEd鈥檚 AI Center
To help more Filipino learners prepare and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, the Department of Education (DepEd) vowed to听allocate听P100 million to听establish听an AI center for Filipino learners and educators.听
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo 鈥淪onny鈥 M. Angara, in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, said that the agency has also partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to review the new AI curriculum, which is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter or early second quarter of 2026.听
“We put up an AI center, and together with the MIT, we are finalizing the AI curriculum of the Philippines,” Mr. Angara said in Filipino. 鈥淭he help from MIT is听free,听they offered it to us to review our curriculum.鈥濃听Almira Louise S. Martinez听
