Under their expanded partnership, teachers will be able to use the AI-powered tool for tasks such as preparing lesson plans, personalizing learning materials and analyzing information that could help them respond more quickly to students’ needs.
The initiative forms part of DepEd’s push to modernize the education system and prepare teachers and students for a workplace increasingly shaped by AI.
“Our learners deserve an education system that is ready for the future. Through our partnership with Microsoft, we are bringing AI tools to one million Filipino teachers to help them save time, engage learners better, and strengthen teaching in the classroom. More importantly, this partnership will help us support learning recovery and prepare every Filipino child for an AI-driven world,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
AI training
The expanded access builds on an AI training program that DepEd and Microsoft began earlier this year to teach educators how to use Microsoft Copilot Chat responsibly and practically.
Nearly 75,000 teachers attended the flagship training event live, while registrations exceeded 175,000 educators. The strong turnout prompted DepEd’s National Educators’ Academy of the Philippines to extend the initiative through asynchronous training for registered participants.
Training uses classroom scenarios to teach educators how to draft communications, develop curriculum-aligned lesson plans and assessments, and summarize student progress.
The program also emphasizes safeguards and responsible AI use, with the technology intended to support rather than replace teachers’ professional judgment.
DepEd said giving teachers AI tools could reduce time spent on administrative work and allow them to devote more attention to instruction and individual learners.
Reading gaps
Microsoft technology is also being used under DepEd’s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program to address literacy gaps.
Microsoft Reading Progress and Reading Coach allow teachers to monitor oral reading more frequently and identify issues involving word recognition, omissions, mispronunciations and reading pace.
Over 21 weeks, a pilot reached 3,431 students across eight regions and analyzed 8,381 reading submissions. More than 2,100 teachers were trained, with overall teacher satisfaction reaching 91.5 percent.
Among students who were reassessed, 780 showed progress. Of these, 319 moved up between Philippine Informal Reading Inventory or Phil-IRI bands, while 461 improved within their existing bands.
The tools are intended to complement formal assessments such as Phil-IRI and give teachers information that can be used for quicker interventions.
“Technology at its best serves a clear purpose. It helps us see more, respond faster, and use our time more wisely. When technology helps reduce administrative burden, it gives teachers more space to guide, encourage, and intervene in ways that are thoughtful and human,” DepEd Undersecretary for information and communications technology Marcelino Veloso III said.
Digital foundation
The partnership builds on DepEd’s investments in internet connectivity, ICT equipment, smart classrooms and devices for teachers.
DepEd said the additional AI capabilities support its five-point education agenda covering enabling learning environments, teacher welfare, efficient learning delivery, development of a future-ready workforce and responses to emerging education challenges.
Microsoft ASEAN president Mayank Wadhwa said putting Copilot in the hands of 1 million teachers could help educators save time and strengthen learning while preparing students for industries and careers where AI will increasingly be used.
DepEd and Microsoft said their long-term collaboration ultimately aims to build a more resilient and globally competitive education system while expanding responsible AI adoption across Philippine classrooms. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
