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University of the Philippines
Office of Alumni Relations
UP’s Roadmap for Responsible and Trustworthy AI
By Joanna Robles
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, isn’t just a buzzword anymore. And whether we like it or not, it’s already here.
It helps students with their studies through various tools, supports professionals in tasks like medical diagnostics and legal research, and even assists farmers in the Philippines with smarter planting and weather predictions. Some of us use AI daily without even realizing it.
But here’s the big question: how do we, as a country, keep up? And more importantly, how do we make sure AI works for us, not against us?
That’s where the UP comes in. True to its role as the national university, UP is laying down a roadmap that not only builds world-class AI talent but also makes sure we’re using this powerful technology responsibly.
So, What is AI?
AI is basically about creating smart systems or machines that can see, think, decide, and act to reach certain goals. It’s like mimicking how humans (and even animals) learn from experience and solve problems, only through code and data.
But it’s not just about algorithms. Experts call AI a “socio-technical system.” Why? Because it’s not only the math behind the models that matter, but also the values in the datasets, the people using the tech, and the organizations deploying it. In other words, AI reflects us humans: our strengths, biases, and even our weaknesses.
Building AI Expertise and Principles
UP isn’t just talking about AI. It’s laying down a roadmap to train the next generation of experts while making sure this technology grows in ways that truly benefit Filipinos.
At the heart of this effort are two flagship programs: the Master of Engineering in AI (MEng AI) and the PhD in AI. The MEng AI is a flexible, practice-oriented program that students can finish in two to three years. With 31 units and a required capstone project, it’s designed not just for learning theory but for building real-world applications in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and business. Meanwhile, the PhD in AI, which is the first of its kind in the Philippines, is geared toward the hardcore innovators. Whether you’re a practitioner who wants to master advanced systems, a researcher pushing the boundaries of algorithms, or an academic preparing to start similar programs in other schools, this three-to-ten-year journey combines deep research with the goal of producing new knowledge. Together, these programs position UP as a hub for AI education and research in the country.
But UP also understands that AI isn’t just about what it can do, it’s also about what it should do. That’s why it has laid out Principles for Responsible and Trustworthy AI, which act as a compass to guide its programs and policies. These principles emphasize that AI must serve the common good, helping Filipinos, strengthening democracy, and supporting sustainability. They highlight empowerment, ensuring that people—not corporations—have control over their future. They call for cultural sensitivity, so that AI systems align with Filipino values and norms, and stress transparency and accountability, meaning developers must take responsibility and people must be able to understand how these systems work. Finally, they uphold fairness, safety, and sustainability, which ensures AI avoids bias, prevents harm, and respects the environment.
To make sure these ideals don’t stay on paper, UP has set up two key bodies. The AI Advancement Committee (AIAC) is tasked with creating policies, designing programs, and building infrastructure to support responsible AI within the university. Complementing it is the AI Advisory Board (AIAB), a bigger, multi-sectoral group that brings in perspectives from government, industry, and civil society to advise on research directions, partnerships, and workforce preparation in an AI-driven economy.
With this roadmap, UP isn’t just training people to use AI, it’s shaping how AI will be developed and deployed in the Philippines, making sure the technology remains both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in responsibility.
At the end of the day, UP’s AI roadmap is about balance. It’s about harnessing the opportunities AI offers. While putting safeguards in place so the risks don’t outweigh the benefits. By investing in programs, research, and principles, UP is making sure Filipinos don’t just consume AI technology but also shape it.
AI is evolving fast. And with UP at the forefront, the Philippines has a real shot at making sure this technology grows with responsibility, trust, and most importantly, with people at its heart.