The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a national framework to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Philippine colleges and universities, allowing the technology to support learning and research while protecting academic integrity and human judgment.
Under CHED Memorandum Order No. 21, the guidelines cover 2,366 higher education institutions, 188,261 faculty members and more than 5.8 million students nationwide.
CHED said the policy supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen AI skills and promote responsible use of emerging technologies as the country prepares Filipinos for future jobs and a technology-driven economy.
The framework allows higher education institutions (HEIs) to use AI in teaching, learning, research and administrative operations, subject to safeguards on data privacy, academic integrity and student welfare.
Rather than imposing a uniform approach, the guidelines give institutions and faculty members flexibility to determine how AI can best address their learning objectives and operational needs, based on their respective circumstances and access to technology.
CHED stressed that AI should complement human thinking rather than replace it, emphasizing the need for students to develop critical thinking skills alongside their ability to use AI tools.
“Students must learn how to think before they learn how to prompt,” the commission said.
The guidelines also call for transparency when students use AI and require stronger human oversight when the technology is applied to decisions with significant consequences, including grading, admissions, scholarships, student progression and faculty evaluation.
CHED said the framework aims to help institutions benefit from AI’s potential to improve education and institutional efficiency without compromising accountability, academic standards or the role of human judgment.
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