ILOILO CITY — The President of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, participated in the CHED-RAISE 2026 Conference titled “Raising AI Education, Empowering Society” held on February 25–27, 2026 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City.
Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the national gathering convened State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Presidents and Officers-in-Charge of public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the country. The three-day conference underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, with emphasis on responsible adoption, human-centered learning, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Joining Dr. Bontia in representing SPAMAST was Prof. Antonette Albarracin, Program Head of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT). Their participation signifies the institution’s proactive engagement in strengthening its technology-driven academic programs and aligning its IT education with emerging global standards in Artificial Intelligence.
The CHED-RAISE 2026 initiative highlighted the need for higher education institutions to integrate AI technologies responsibly—upholding academic integrity, ethical standards, inclusivity, and social accountability. Key discussions revolved around curriculum innovation, AI-driven research, digital infrastructure enhancement, faculty capability building, and the formulation of policy frameworks to ensure equitable and inclusive access to technological advancements.
Their attendance reflects SPAMAST’s strong commitment to future-ready education, particularly in equipping students with digital competencies, critical thinking skills, and ethical discernment in the age of AI. Through active participation in national dialogues and collaborative platforms, SPAMAST continues to position itself as a responsive and innovative state college serving its communities.
The conference also fostered strengthened partnerships among HEIs, government agencies, industry leaders, and technology experts—ensuring that AI-driven transformation in education benefits not only institutions but also farmers, fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and underserved sectors.
Through its engagement in CHED-RAISE 2026, SPAMAST contributes to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—promoting inclusive, innovative, and collaborative pathways toward sustainable national development.
