ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) has become a valuable tool for researchers, but studies must prioritize ethics and responsible use to benefit humanity, a Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) official said during the launch of the AI-focused 2025 Research Fortnight at UST on Feb. 18.
In her virtual keynote address, CHEd Commissioner Ethel Valenzuela highlighted AI’s role in research, saying it is already being used for tasks such as assessing frameworks, proper formatting, detecting errors and biases, generating articles, data collection and processing, and visualization.
She acknowledged UST’s contributions to AI research, saying the institution has helped organizations “understand AI.”
“The global voices of researchers revealed that they are using (AI), but they need guidance, they need more policies, they need more toolkits,” she said. “They are using it, but they still need guidance.”
“We are truly humbled by the initiative of UST for this research partner that we’re helping us engage in dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, especially on AI in research and innovation.”
Valenzuela stressed the importance of establishing AI policies and toolkits to ensure equitable use of AI in research.
“We need to support the AI innovation ecosystem,” she said. “We need to invest in AI startups. We need to nurture talents, upskill the workforce, and raise awareness among citizens on the effects of AI in our society, especially in education.”
“We should prioritize human agency, ethics of AI, and the responsible use of AI so that we can control and really ensure that AI is there for the betterment of humankind and for our researchers.”
Valenzuela also encouraged Thomasian researchers to continue capacity-building efforts for educators in AI research.
“There should be more awareness, readiness, and practical solutions. Because we will encounter a lot of challenges ahead with AI integration. So researchers, don’t give up on your mandate.”
She also noted that AI has prompted CHEd to reassess its curriculum and invest in roadmaps to leverage AI for enhancing education and training.
“Nothing can be done without digital and technological transformation. It’s a big part of our key pillar of education. To ensure system-wide vision and priorities, we would like to ensure that there is equitable use of AI in education,” she added.
The Research Fortnight, organized by the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation (OVRII), will feature nearly 30 programs and events until April, hosted by various UST research centers.
The Catholic Church and AI
In his opening remarks, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P., said the Research Fortnight aligns with the Catholic Church’s stance that AI should be used responsibly and ethically.
Abogado cited “Antiqua et Nova,” the Vatican’s latest document exploring the relationship between AI and human intelligence.
“Al plays a crucial role in today’s academic environment, prompting us to critically reflect on how it may influence our operations as an institution of higher learning,” Abogado said.
“The Church emphasizes that this gift of intelligence should be expressed through the responsible use of reason and technical abilities in the stewardship of the created world,” he added.
Abogado said UST, as a Catholic institution, has a pivotal role in advancing AI for the betterment of humanity.
“We engage with Al not because we are compelled to, as its use and application are widespread in nearly all aspects of human life, but because, as a product of human creativity and initiative, its consideration becomes imperative in our quest to become fully human.”
The 2025 Research Fortnight includes participation from UST’s various research centers, such as:
- TOMASInno Center;
- Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS);
- Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSEd);
- Research Center for Culture, Arts, and Humanities (RCCAH);
- Research Center for the Health Sciences (RCHS); and
- Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics.
The event kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center Auditorium, followed by a poster exhibit at the UST Main Building. The exhibit, which will be displayed until March 1, showcases at least 16 research abstracts and innovations focusing on AI, including:
- “iSULAT: Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing” – a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences;
- “AI in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery” – presented by RCNAS; and
- “Critical Reflections and Adaptive Strategies: Implementing Socioemotional Learning Modules in University Settings” – developed by RCHS, RCSSEd, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the College of Science, the College of Education, and the Career and Counseling Center.
The Research Fortnight had the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Research and Innovation.” According to Abogado, it seeks to explore AI’s “transformative role in the pursuit of truth and progress.” Marigela Isabel R. Cirio and Marielle F. Pesa
