MMSU and Break the Fake Movement launch program on AI-Ready ASEAN
By Stephanie Camille Ilar
In a move to promote AI and digital literacy, Mariano Marcos State University launched the AI-Ready ASEAN Program through an artificial intelligence (AI) literacy training on December 3 at the Center for Flexible Learning.
Spearheaded by the ASEAN Foundation and supported by Google.org, the AI-Ready ASEAN Program is a regional initiative designed to equip 5.5 million youth, educators, and parents across ASEAN with essential AI skills. The program promotes responsible AI use and raises awareness on ethics, privacy, and security, aiming to strengthen AI literacy across ASEAN member states. In the Philippines, the initiative is implemented in partnership with Break the Fake Movement (BTFM), a local civil society organization dedicated to promoting media and information literacy (MIL).
The university’s participation began with an AI literacy session for faculty members, where participants were introduced to the AI Class ASEAN, a 15-hour self-paced platform offering in-depth AI literacy modules. The training was led by Dr. Mark Joseph Pastor, Chief for International Programs and MMSU’s designated master trainer for the initiative. During the session, Dr. Pastor introduced the Awareness Raising Campaign on AI through Hour of Code, demonstrated the AI Class ASEAN platform, and discussed the growing role of AI in teaching, learning, and governance.
To formalize the collaboration, MMSU and BTFM signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct multiple Hour of Code sessions. These sessions encourage participants to enroll with AI Class ASEAN. The training is open to MMSU students, faculty, and staff, with additional sessions scheduled for January next year to ensure broader participation across the university community.
BTFM Executive Director Paolo Miguel Ordonio expressed confidence in MMSU’s ability to drive AI and media literacy in the region, noting that the program not only combats disinformation but also strengthens responsible digital citizenship.
Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Director Jeanette Dials emphasized that AI readiness should extend beyond the domain of computer science to all disciplines. “We need to develop new courses and degree programs focused on advanced AI development, data science, AI governance and ethics, tailored to the unique linguistic and cultural context of ASEAN,” Prof. Dials said.
Meanwhile, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. underscored the importance of using AI responsibly, particularly within the university setting. “We want to optimize the application of AI in ways that align with our vision and mission at MMSU,” he noted.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, joined the event virtually. Faculty and students from all colleges participated both onsite and online via Zoom.
With the MOU in place and training officially underway, MMSU takes a significant step toward building an AI-ready academic community and expanding opportunities for digital empowerment.
Dec, 04, 2025 09:51:pm
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