The Department of Education (DepEd) and Microsoft are working together to drive educational advancements in the Philippines through generative AI technology and comprehensive skilling programs for students and educators, as part of the Presidential Digitalization Blueprint.
Through an ongoing AI immersion program, DepEd educators were introduced to the potential of AI in enhancing learning experiences. This initiative has empowered teachers across the country to integrate Microsoft M365 Copilot into their workflows, providing students with a more interactive and engaging learning experience, while also driving increased efficiency and productivity.
Reports from the Microsoft Copilot Classroom Hack activity, a subset of the broader AI immersion initiative, indicate an average of 9 hours saved per week for teachers—some reporting up to 20 hours—across eight DepEd regions on ancillary tasks. Participants highlighted the potential of Microsoft M365 Copilot in streamlining administrative duties, enhancing collaboration, and improving instructional practices:
“Copilot automates routine administrative tasks such as creating lesson plans, tracking attendance, generating reports, and grading assignments. This will save me time and allow me to focus more on engaging with students and improving my instructional methods.” said Joseph Arnold Labaguis, a Grade 10 Teacher attendee from Marinduque National High School.
DepEd is further exploring integration of Microsoft Copilot within their Central Office as well as AI skilling and fluency for more educators across regions
A significant focus area for both DepEd and Microsoft is the adoption of generative AI-powered teaching platforms, such as Reading Progress and Reading Coach, AI-powered features integrated into Microsoft Teams that help teachers assess reading fluency by allowing students to record their reading, which is then automatically analyzed for accuracy, rate, and pronunciation, significantly reducing the time teachers spend on manual assessments and providing actionable insights to improve student outcomes.
In Bais City, Dumaguete, the implementation of the Reading Progress tool has transformed student reading assessments, automating evaluations and supplementing data from the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory to strengthen remediation programs. With 500 teachers from 65 schools upskilled through a virtual capacity-building workshop, the initiative successfully assessed 14,000 learners and achieved full implementation in 60 schools.
Teachers have seen significant efficiency and learning improvements with Reading Progress. This tool has reduced assessment time from two days to two hours and helped students improve their reading levels within three months through consistent evaluations. It also promotes student independence and confidence, allowing practice without traditional assessment pressure. Accessible across multiple devices, it enhances the learning experience for both students and teachers.
Implemented in numerous Schools Division Offices nationwide, Reading Progress boosts reading assessment and remediation programs, benefiting thousands of educators and students. DepEd Bais and other regional offices use it to support ongoing reading programs and improve assessment accuracy, highlighting the value of AI-powered educational tools.
“We have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to enhance the quality of education for every Filipino, and we’re committed to that outcome, as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s plan to bridge the digital divide. These programs with Microsoft have delivered immediate, scalable results and we will continue to integrate technologies and equip educators with necessary skills to foster innovation in every classroom,” said Department of Education Secretary, Sonny Angara.
“AI is arguably the most transformational technology of our time and it’s up to us to ensure that it serves everyone, “said Peter Maquera, CEO of Microsoft Philippines. “We have the opportunity to break down barriers that have impeded access not just to better learning outcomes, but a higher quality of life for all Filipinos for far too long. Together with Sec. Angara and the Department of Education, we aim to democratize access to AI, to empower teachers to do what they do best, and prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future.”
