University News

GIA Summit 2026 Bridges Sectors for Responsible AI Adoption and Governance

Aella Marie Pusod And Karylle Anne Cabugos, News, Communication Management Office

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The University held its fourth Government–Industry–Academe (GIA) Summit 2026 on October 7–8 at Bulwagang Balagtas, NALLRC, Sta. Mesa Campus, bringing together educators, industry leaders, government representatives, alumni, and students to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, its effects on employment and professional practice, and the need for responsible governance.

Organized by the Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO), the summit carried the theme “AI Regulation, Governance, and Alignment: Bridging the Industries to the Academe.” Discussions focused on how schools, businesses, and government agencies can prepare Filipinos for AI adoption while protecting human judgment, expanding access to opportunities, and maintaining accountability.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Tomas O. Testor set the direction during the opening program, emphasizing that AI should expand human capabilities rather than diminish them.

“Let us build a future where AI does not replace human potential but instead elevates it, safely and responsibly for every Filipino student and every working citizen,” Testor said.

AI adoption and the limits of automation

The first day examined the implications of placing AI in systems that influence people’s access to information, services, and opportunities. In her keynote address, Engr. Nicole Abejuela, Principal Engineer at the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), emphasized that people are not merely users of AI but also bear the consequences of how it is designed and applied.

“We are not just passive subjects; we are the beneficiaries or, if negative, then we will be the victims,” Abejuela said.

Her remarks underscored the stakes of AI adoption: when automated systems influence decisions, the people affected must not be excluded from discussions about their use. Efficiency alone cannot establish whether a system is appropriate, particularly when its outputs may affect people’s access to services or opportunities.

During the forum with the audience, Maria Cristina C. Hermoso, Human Resources Manager of Bubble Gum Interactive Games, pointed out the need to guide technological change through responsible innovation rather than fear or unquestioning reliance.

These discussions placed human judgment at the center of AI adoption. Although AI can generate responses or perform tasks, people must still evaluate its outputs, understand their limitations, and remain accountable for decisions made with its assistance.

Preparing workers and institutions for AI

The second day extended the discussion to professional, educational, and institutional conditions that shape AI adoption.

Deloitte Philippines Business Tax Leader Senen M. Quizon examined the risk of “cognitive offloading,” in which people rely on AI to perform mental tasks that they would otherwise undertake themselves. Excessive dependence can weaken critical thinking when users accept generated answers without examining their accuracy.

The challenge, therefore, extends beyond knowing how to operate AI tools. Workers must also determine when these tools are appropriate, recognize their limitations, and verify their outputs before applying them in practice. Principal Architect of Arki Ara Design Mary Rolyn Ara T. Angeles reinforced this distinction in discussing AI’s applications in architecture and education.

“Every technological advancement changes the way we work, but it does not automatically eliminate the knowledge and responsibilities,” Angeles said.

Her discussion highlighted the continuing importance of professional expertise and accountability. While AI may transform established workflows, it does not absolve professionals of their responsibility to evaluate outputs, exercise sound judgment, and uphold the standards of their respective fields.

Beyond professional competence, the growing adoption of AI also raises questions about whether Filipinos have equitable access to the education and training needed to participate in an increasingly technology-driven economy. In his talk, “The Woven Future: Building the Philippine AI Ecosystem Together,” PUP alumnus and M360 Chief Executive Officer Ramon Hirang called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, and academe to strengthen the country's AI capabilities.

“There’s talent everywhere in this country, especially in this hall, among you guys. However, opportunity is not always widely distributed, and that’s why education will close that distance,” Hirang said.

Hirang’s remarks linked AI development to the unequal distribution of opportunities. As industries adopt emerging technologies, workers need access to relevant education, skills training, and employment pathways to benefit from changing workforce demands.

However, education and workforce preparation alone cannot address every risk associated with AI. Responsible adoption also requires clear institutional policies, appropriate limits on automated decision-making, and safeguards that protect the rights and interests of affected individuals.

Atty. Mykee Ferdinand B. Medina Jr., Attorney III at the City Government of Las Piñas and director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–PPLM Chapter, discussed the role of legislation, ethical standards, and institutional accountability in governing AI.

“The future of AI will not be determined only by the technology we create, but also by the values, laws, and institutions we build around it,” Medina said.

His discussion underscored the importance of establishing a governance framework that complements individual responsibility. While users must learn to evaluate AI-generated outputs, institutions must also define appropriate applications, establish safeguards against misuse, and ensure accountability for decisions involving the technology.

Across the two-day summit, a central message emerged: as AI becomes more widely integrated into education, employment, and professional practice, human knowledge, sound judgment, and public interest must remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

The summit’s discussions also corresponded with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), connecting AI adoption with the country’s priorities in education, employment, innovation, and institutional cooperation.