University of Luzon Champions Academic Innovation at CHED RAISE 2026 National AI Conference

The University of Luzon has once again solidified its standing as a proactive leader in academic innovation as Dr. Diosdado Caronongan, Dean of the College of Computer Studies, represented the institution at the prestigious CHED RAISE 2026 Conference. Held from February 25 to 27, 2026, at the Iloilo Convention Center, the national summit convened the country’s most prominent educators, policymakers, and industry experts to address the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence under the banner of “Responding through AI for Societal Empowerment” (RAISE). Spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and co-hosted by Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) and West Visayas State University (WVSU), the event served as a critical milestone in operationalizing the Philippines’ National AI Strategy.

The conference, themed “Empowering Minds, Transforming Communities through Responsible and Inclusive AI,” gathered approximately 600 participants, including university presidents, faculty members, and key industry partners such as IBM and the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP). For the University of Luzon, the summit provided deep insights into the multifaceted role of AI across the three pillars of higher education: instruction, research, and community extension. In the realm of pedagogy, discussions centered on the shift toward intelligent tools and adaptive learning platforms that personalize the educational experience. For research, the summit highlighted how data-driven methodologies and interdisciplinary AI innovations are accelerating breakthroughs. Furthermore, the extension of AI solutions to address real-world community challenges was emphasized as a vital component of modern societal empowerment, ensuring that Luzonians are prepared to lead in an AI-augmented professional landscape.

A major highlight of the three-day event was the presentation of the Draft AI Policy in Education and the formal turnover of the Philippine Skills Framework for Analytics and AI. These deliverables provide a clear roadmap for upskilling the higher education sector, a direction that the University of Luzon is eager to adopt. Participation in CHED RAISE 2026 reaffirms the university’s dedication to the ethical and responsible adoption of emerging technologies. By aligning with the national direction set by CHED, the institution continues to foster an environment where innovation is balanced with integrity and human-centric values. This engagement is a testament to our ongoing mission to provide quality, technology-enhanced education that empowers Luzonians to become productive and principled professionals in a globalized economy.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Luzon is fundamentally driven by a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By enhancing pedagogical practices through AI and aligning with the newly presented skills frameworks, the university directly advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. Our focus on AI-driven research and the modernization of academic infrastructure aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering a culture of technological progress that supports national development. Ultimately, by collaborating with industry leaders and co-hosting institutions, the university contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), working in synergy to leverage technology for the collective empowerment and sustainable future of society.