AI news ·
CitizenWatch Philippines pushes for AI education reforms to prioritize values, citizenship and critical thinking
CitizenWatch Philippines urges AI education reforms prioritizing critical thinking over technical skills. AI must strengthen public school teachers, not replace them.
The consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines is pushing for artificial intelligence reforms in the country's education system that prioritize values formation and critical thinking over purely technical skills. This approach comes as Philippine students continue to face learning recovery challenges and lag behind regional peers in key assessments.
Reframing technology in the classroom
CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor and former representative Kit Belmonte said AI presents an opportunity to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education. However, he warned that technology must serve the broader purpose of developing responsible citizens and future leaders.
"Artificial intelligence can transform how we teach and learn, but it cannot replace the fundamental purpose of education," Belmonte said. "Education should not only prepare young Filipinos to prosper. It should prepare them for citizenship, leadership and meaningful participation in society."
Supporting teachers, not replacing them
Belmonte emphasized that AI should function as a tool to strengthen teachers rather than act as a substitute for educators. Professionals seeking to integrate these systems can refer to an AI Learning Path for Teachers for practical integration strategies. The ultimate goal remains raising the quality of learning across the entire public education system.
"The future of Philippine education will be determined by how effectively we raise the quality of learning across the entire public education system," Belmonte said. This push for reform highlights the growing demand for AI for Education solutions that address both academic recovery and civic development.
Why this matters for educators
School administrators and teachers must evaluate new AI tools based on their ability to support human instruction and civic development, not just test scores. Relying on automation without a clear pedagogical framework risks widening existing learning gaps. Districts should prioritize professional development that trains staff to use AI as a supplementary teaching aid while maintaining focus on critical thinking and citizenship.