On May 25, 2026, members and representatives from the academic council of the University of Baguio reinforced commitments to thrive knowledge building and technology-driven efforts through a transformative session at the 2026 PRIME “AI & Data Analytics in Education” activity and seminar.
Led by the university’s Quality Assurance Office (QAO), endorsed and supported by the Professional Reinforcement for Innovation and Mentorship in Education (PRIME) program, the activity at the university’s FGB Hall brought together forty (40) participants consisting of directors, deans, academic leaders, and esteemed representatives from different departments and schools to discuss their understanding of artificial intelligence integration, and data-driven educational practices. The collaborative approach further gave the participants useful techniques and practices in improving instructional delivery, student engagement, and institutional effectiveness in the digital age.
Opening the session with a message by Dr. Antonio Mangaliag, reminded participants that educational leadership in the modern age requires continuous learning and adaptability for advancements in both professional and personal endeavors. The message emphasized that artificial intelligence enhances and shapes how students learn topics, how educators teach syllabuses, and how academic leaders guide institutions into organizational excellence and tenure achievement. Dr. Managliag also highlighted the importance of data analytics in improving student performance, engagement, and decision-making in day-to-day experiences and roles in the academia.
2026 PRIME: The Responsible Use of AI in Transformative Education
Two esteemed leaders were invited to give a talk on specific advancements and integrations during the PRIME activity, one of them featured resource speaker and educator, Ms. Erna-Kristi N. Martinez of the School of Information Technology (SIT).
Previously served as the Dean for the university’s SIT program and program chair for Computer Science and Information Technology programs, her extensive reach and leadership became the forefront for a centralized approach in curriculum management. Sharing factual and opinion-based queries and topics of interest on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
Alt Text: Ms. Erna-Kristi N. Martinez SIT-CS/IT and Mr. Meynard O. Soriano, program chair, SIT-BSCE, during the 026 PRIME “AI & Data Analytics in Education” activity and seminar
Her background has then been strengthened through Google AI Specialization tracks, AI Essentials for Educators, and numerous engagements related to educational innovation and technology integration, which supported her talk on how AI can support instructional planning, classroom innovation, academic reporting, and institutional leadership while ensuring responsible and meaningful implementation of emerging technologies in the learning environment.
The second speaker during the session explained the importance of data-informed decision-making and the effective use of learning technologies to enhance instructional quality, student engagement, and academic management. Mr. Meynard O. Soriano, SIT Program Chair for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
Mr. Soriano’s talk provided practical strategies for maximizing educational technologies in support of continuous improvement and transformative education. All comprising from tenure supported by his reach in various seminars and speaking engagements involving AI, data analytics, LMS utilization, and digital innovation in education.
The initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – in promoting inclusive efforts and technology-based enhancements for learning opportunities
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – through continuous professional development for educators and academic leaders
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – direct and human-led artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital learning systems into higher education practices
As the 21st century demands more accurate and accelerated timeframes in demands and requests for both educational and organizational initiatives, the PRIME series, programs, and similar capability-building initiatives, continue to empower academic leaders and educators from the University of Baguio to lead adaptive, innovative, and future-ready professionals committed to excellence and transformative education in an increasingly digital and data-driven world.
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Written by: Dr. Kareen B. Leon & Ms. Lenilyn P. Malicdem
Article Enhancement by Mr. Gabriel Madriaga
