In its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation, the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception, represented by their Dean, Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga proudly participated in the 56th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Association for Graduate Education (PAGE) on September 4-6, 2025 at the University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City, with the theme: “Advancing Philippine Graduate Education Through Artificial Intelligence.”
This landmark gathering brought together educational leaders, graduate school administrators, and researchers from across the nation to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of graduate education in the Philippines. The objectives of the convention are: 1. Explore the pervasiveness and impact of AI with respect to the current design and delivery of graduate education, 2. Evaluate perspectives and approaches to policy, program, and people development towards AI integration and optimization, 3. Enable stakeholders to adopt an evidence-based orientation in using AI tools and resources for teaching and learning.
The convention featured a keynote presentation, plenary sessions, and research presentations. The keynote Address, “AI and the Future of Learning at the Graduate Level,” was delivered by Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapua University. He stressed that “The future of graduate learning is not man versus machine. It is mind with machine — human intelligence amplified by artificial intelligence.” Thus, he said that let us: • Collaborate across institutions to share AI policies, tools, and resources. • Advocate nationally for investments in AI-ready graduate education. • Empower our graduates to become innovators, researchers, and nation-builders for a digital Philippines.
The delegates actively engaged in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building sessions, reflecting their firm belief in the role of continuous learning and technological advancement in education. The convention served as a strategic platform to align the institution’s graduate programs with global trends and to benchmark best practices from other graduate institutions.
The parallel sessions featured completed research work on the following topics: Learner beliefs and perceptions of AI, teacher beliefs and perceptions of AI, AI in curriculum design, AI in learning delivery, AI in assessments, and AI in research.
FCIC’s participation in this convention is a testament to its commitment to its vision of becoming a Christ-centered academic institution providing quality, transformative education. By embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence and aligning with national educational movements, FCIC continues to nurture future-ready leaders and professionals equipped with both competence and compassion.
As an institutional member of the Philippine Association for Graduate Education (PAGE), FCIC, with the passionate and visionary leadership of its president, Sister Mary Michael Bactong, OSF, remains steadfast in contributing to the collective advancement of graduate education in the country — anchored in faith, driven by excellence, and inspired by transformative impact.
by Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga
