The International Symposium on Education, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity (ISEAC) 2025 was successfully conducted last February 26, bringing together more than 200 educators, innovators, and technology experts from the Philippines and beyond. Hosted by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) in partnership with the UP Intelligent Systems Center (ISC), the event set the stage for in-depth discussions on the evolving intersection of digital technology and the future of education.
Reshaping Learning Environments
Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU, and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy, Chairperson of ISEAC 2025 and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines, opened the conference by emphasizing the critical role of AI in reshaping learning environments.
Chancellor Bandalaria highlighted AI’s potential to expand educational access and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. She stressed the importance of addressing issues around safety, ethics, and quality as digital technology continues to advance.
In his introduction to the conference, Dr. Pugoy challenged participants to reflect on AI’s impact on education, digital trust, and future readiness, and stated, “At a time when AI is reshaping learning environments, cybersecurity threats are evolving, and education is rapidly shifting to digital spaces, our collective insights are more critical than ever.”
One of the conference’s highlights was Dr. Eugene Rex Jalao’s keynote on the ethical considerations surrounding AI. He reassured the audience that AI is not a threat to human relevance. “Humans will never be replaced by AI,” he said.
Dr. Jalao described AI as a decision-support tool meant to enhance human decision-making rather than replace it. He emphasized that ethical considerations and respect for human rights should guide AI development.
The concept of the Metaverse was explored in a keynote by Prof. Lunchakorn Wuttisittikulkij from Chulalongkorn University. He described the Metaverse as a future where digital and physical realities merge, creating immersive, interactive learning environments. Other speakers, including Navy, Dr. Pruk, Sirapop, and Prof. Halim Budi, discussed how the Metaverse could transform education.
ISEAC 2025 Hackathon
The ISEAC 2025 Hackathon brought together educators and tech innovators to develop AI-driven solutions for enhancing classroom experiences while focusing on security and inclusivity. Notable projects included:
- Team AltTabs – Developed the Low-Bandwidth Adaptive Learning Management System to support resilient education during calamities.
- Team DevSync – Created Threat Buster, a cybersecurity tool.
- Team Code Side Mafia – Designed a project focused on personalized career pathways in the tech industry.
- Team Hox – Presented Talasan, a learning aid for students.
- Team Hakura – Introduced Dialecto, a tool for translating local languages.
Team Lotus won first place for their cutting-edge project, while Team ChatAPTPTPT++ and Team Hox secured second and third places, respectively.
Parallel Sessions
Throughout the conference, participants attended various parallel sessions that addressed important topics such as AI in teaching and learning, ethics and governance in AI, cybersecurity, and the intersection of AI and digital literacy. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions on how AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy are shaping the future of education, sustainability, and data-driven strategies.
As ISEAC 2025 drew to a close, Dean Diego Maranan, Co-Chair of the conference, left participants with thought-provoking questions about the future of AI. “To what extent can AI assist in thinking? And to what extent do the dangers of this innovation pose a risk?” These questions served as a reminder of the ongoing ethical debates surrounding AI’s role in society and the need for continued vigilance as AI continues to shape education and beyond.
ISEAC 2025 showcased the innovative potential of AI in education while emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity, ethics, and inclusivity.
ISEAC 2025 was a success through the support of its partners including the University of the Philippines Intelligent Systems Center, UPOU Foundation Inc., MoodLearning, Digital Freedom Network, and CHED IAS. Participants were encouraged to continue these dynamic conversations at future ISEAC events.
Written by Joy Abigail Rebulanan and Roda Tajon ♦ Cross-posted from FICS Website
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