UP ITDC Hosts Introductory Webinar on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for SUCs
The University of the Philippines Information Technology Development Center (UP ITDC) successfully held a free webinar titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for SUCs” on 3 December 2025, attracting an impressive 999 participants from across the country.
Conducted via Zoom, the three-hour session brought together IT staff and personnel from state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide. Representatives from Tarlac State University, Bataan Peninsula State University, Southern Leyte State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, South Cotabato State College, and Sulu State College were among those in attendance.
The webinar featured Macliing Gabriel “Mac” Q. Aydinan as resource speaker. Aydinan, who graduated magna cum laude with a BS Physics degree from UP Diliman, currently leads the Cloud Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Practice at Pointwest. He designs and delivers AI and ML solutions for sectors such as retail, banking, insurance, manufacturing, and healthcare. His expertise spans computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analytics, forecasting, fraud detection, and generative AI.
Aydinan’s presentation was organized into three parts:
- AI Crash Course
- Addressing Concerns on AI and Academic Integrity
- Using AI Within the University
The first segment introduced foundational concepts and key terminologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and generative AI. The second segment explored how AI can enhance learning, research, and productivity, while also acknowledging the legitimate concerns surrounding academic integrity such as academic honesty and cheating, among other things. He also raised a suggestion on reframing the question from "Did the student use AI?" to "How did the student use AI" to impart that this tool can enhance learning and teaching without compromising integrity. He then mentioned key points about how to use AI as a cognitive amplifier.
The final segment offered practical guidance on using AI responsibly, effectively, and ethically within academic institutions, and gave examples of some use cases.
Aydinan closed the session with a reminder that “AI should not compromise learning—it should accelerate it.”
This initiative reflects UP ITDC’s commitment to advancing its role in digital transformation across the higher education sector. (Levi Lusterio, ITDC, 15 December 2025)
