This study presents a national research initiative on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in public education. Implemented under the Philippine Department of Education’s National Capital Region Research Program, the National GabAI-Powered School Research involves 200 public schools across the country and examines how AI can enhance teacher efficiency and inform policy in a non-mandated environment.

At the center of this initiative is GabAI, an AI-powered teaching sidekick developed by Tagpros Education to assist teachers with lesson planning, assessments, and administrative tasks. Using a mixed-methods design—surveys, interviews, and digital analytics—the study investigates both efficiency outcomes and behavioral barriers to adoption. Results indicate that even with limited voluntary use, GabAI significantly reduces teachers’ workload and preparation time. However, adoption remains shaped by teachers’ fear of AI replacement, limited digital preparedness, and the absence of a national policy mandate.

To foster awareness and trust, the program introduced “GabAI-Powered School” signage as a visibility and symbolic communication strategy that promotes recognition and local ownership of AI adoption. Findings highlight that effective policy communication and teacher engagement are as vital as technology in achieving sustainable reform.

Recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as an AI and Emerging Technology training platform, this initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 8, and 17) and will expand to the United States in 2026 to explore comparative policy and ethical frameworks for global AI integration in education.

Authors:
Christian Manansala, Tagpros Education, Philippines
Teresita Rungduin, Philippine Normal University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Christian Manansala is Founder and CEO of Tagpros Education. His work focuses on AI governance, risk management, and responsible AI adoption across public and private systems worldwide, bridging research, policy, and real-world implementation.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-manansala-a145274/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://medium.com/ai-in-plain-english/why-ai-governance-must-begin-with-observation-not-assumptions-24dfd6301159

Additional website of interest
https://medium.com/@csmanansala

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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