TACLOBAN CITY — Two public schools in Eastern Visayas will pilot an AI-enhanced digital learning system under a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at supporting classroom instruction and improving learning opportunities.
The two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement on Aug. 20 for the 12-month pilot implementation of the Enhancing Teachers’ Unimpeded Rational Objectives Digital Learning System (e-TURO DLS), which will run from August 2026 to July 2027.
The pilot schools are the Sto. Niño SPED Center in Tacloban City and Guinsorongan Elementary School in Catbalogan City.
The project has an approved budget of P2.3 million under DOST’s local Grants-in-Aid program. The funding will cover technology subscriptions, hardware, internet connectivity, training and other requirements for the deployment of the system.
DOST Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña said the partnership reflects the agencies’ shared commitment to using science, technology and innovation to improve learning opportunities for children in the region.
“This is a formal joining of hands between two institutions that share one heart: the future of the Eastern Visayas child,” Ocaña said.
Under the agreement, DOST will provide laptop computers, smart televisions, internet connectivity and server support, as well as capacity-building activities for teachers, school information and communications technology (ICT) coordinators and administrators.
DepEd Eastern Visayas will integrate the e-TURO DLS into classroom instruction at the two pilot schools and designate teachers, ICT coordinators and focal persons to oversee the system’s day-to-day use.
DepEd Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said the AI-enhanced platform will initially support Grade 2 learners in the two schools, providing additional technology-enabled learning experiences.
He said the initiative comes as the region strengthens efforts toward learning recovery and improved educational outcomes.
The project supports the objectives of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act while emphasizing that technology should complement, rather than replace, effective teaching and meaningful learning, Jimenez said.
DepEd will ensure that the platform is aligned with the K–12 curriculum and learning standards and will provide the classroom facilities needed for the equipment.
The system combines a learning management system, a digital content library and artificial intelligence-based content creation tools intended to enhance student learning and improve teacher efficiency.
School orientation and capacity-building activities are scheduled to begin in September, followed by the pilot implementation from September 2026 to July 2027.
Officials said the pilot is expected to provide insights into the use of digital learning resources in actual school settings and help guide the improvement and possible expansion of the initiative to other schools in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
