Teachers and Students, Here’s How DepEd Wants AI Used in Classrooms

Rather than restricting AI, DepEd introduces its first policy to guide teachers and students on using it responsibly.

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara visits a school computer lab. Photo by DepEd Philippines

In February, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a landmark policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in basic education schools in the Philippines.

The policy, known as Department Order No. 003, series of 2026, marks the first national framework governing how AI tools are used in classrooms and school systems nationwide.

DepEd’s policy responds to the rapid adoption of AI technologies worldwide, and the recognition that these tools are increasingly part of students’ lives and future work environments. As Education Secretary Sonny Angara puts it, “May ethical use of AI. Hindi naman natin ipagbabawal ang AI.”

The policy comes alongside DepEd’s Project AGAP.AI (Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence), a program launched by the department to promote AI literacy and safe integration across schools.

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Key Principles of the AI Guidelines

The new DepEd order is built on several core principles:

AI Must Support, Not Replace, Human Judgment

AI tools are allowed in classrooms as auxiliary tools to support learning, teaching, and school operations. The policy states clearly that AI should never replace teachers or serve as the sole basis for learner evaluation or disciplinary actions. Teachers and administrators must remain responsible for student assessment and decision-making.

Ethics and Safety Come First

The guidelines emphasize a human-centered and ethical approach to AI use. This means AI can only be used if it protects learners’ rights, safety, and data privacy. DepEd explicitly prohibits high-risk AI applications such as facial recognition tools, social scoring systems, and manipulative chatbots for minors.

Risk-Based Classification of AI Tools

AI technologies in schools are classified based on risk:

Minimal risk tools (e.g., grammar checkers, administrative chatbots, basic automation) are permitted with standard safeguards.
High-risk tools (e.g., AI systems for grading, admissions, or disciplinary actions) require strict human oversight and cannot be used autonomously.

Responsible Use and Transparency

Under the new policy, teachers can use AI to improve lesson materials, create quizzes, manage data, and plan lessons more efficiently, while students can use it for brainstorming, drafting research, or refining their work, as long as they cite how they used the tools. DepEd hopes this approach will uphold academic honesty and ensure technology is integrated meaningfully into learning.

By issuing its first AI policy, DepEd is guiding teachers and learners to use technology responsibly rather than banning it outright. With these guidelines, students can explore AI as a learning tool while teachers maintain oversight, helping Philippine classrooms become more future-ready.

Click here to learn the benefits and risks of AI in classrooms from a veteran teacher.

Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.