TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, PHILIPPINES – ASEAN 2026 Digital Empowerment: AI Ready, Career Ahead, & Scam Ready HEIs in Region 8 held at Leyte Normal University Ballroom.

Leyte Normal University (LNU) strengthens its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence literacy and digital empowerment through its continuing partnership with the AI Ready ASEAN Program – Philippines Implementation.

LNU marked the first anniversary of its partnership through the ASEAN 2026 Digital Empowerment: AI Ready, Career Ahead, & Scam Ready HEIs in Region 8 program, held on September 10, 2026, at the LNU Administration Building. The activity brought together representatives from the ASEAN Foundation, SmartCT, participating higher education institutions, and the LNU community to celebrate the progress of the initiative and reaffirm their commitment to expanding AI literacy across Eastern Visayas.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in September 2025, designating LNU as the AI Ready ASEAN Regional Hub for Region VIII. The anniversary celebration served as an opportunity to recognize the partnership’s progress and strengthen collaborative efforts to expand access to AI training and resources across the region.

The AI Ready ASEAN Program aims to equip communities with essential artificial intelligence knowledge and promote the responsible use of AI. Through the partnership, LNU contributes to efforts that help individuals and communities develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Advancing AI Literacy Through Regional Collaboration

The program opened with the ASEAN Month Culmination Program followed by the ASEAN 2026 Digital Empowerment morning session. This featured the active participation of the ASEAN Foundation and SMARTCT, headed by its Executive Director, Ms. Kris R. Villanueva-Libunao, with Project Officers Mr. Clarence Alver Dela Cruz and Mr. Genesis Isaiah Almelor.

The session included a presentation of the AI Ready ASEAN program’s background and objectives, an impact report, and the announcement of completers by the LNU Master Trainers.

It also featured a Scam Ready presentation by the ASEAN Foundation representatives, followed by a Scam Ready gameplay facilitated by the SmartCT team. These activities complemented the AI literacy discussions by highlighting the importance of digital awareness and responsible engagement with technology.

LNU Master Trainers and the Regional Hub

A significant component of the activity was the recognition of LNU Master Trainers who help support the implementation of AI literacy initiatives in Region VIII.

The afternoon session centered on the awarding of certificates and tokens to the Master Trainers, the formal MOU signing, and a collaborative meeting. Representatives discussed the presentation of ASEAN programs, asynchronous ASEAN rollout, and partnership opportunities involving LNU offices, student organizations, and other higher education institutions.

Region VIII Higher Education Institutions Unite

The celebration also highlighted the participation of higher education institutions that joined the regional initiative, underscoring the importance of collaboration among state universities and colleges and other institutions in strengthening AI literacy across Eastern Visayas.

The participating institutions included:

• Eastern Visayas State University
• Eastern Samar State University – Main Campus
• Eastern Samar State University – Can-avid Campus
• Samar State University
• Abuyog Community College
• City College of Ormoc
• Palo Polytechnic College, Inc.

Their participation reflects a shared commitment to making AI literacy opportunities more accessible to faculty members, students, and communities across the region.

Building a More AI-Ready Region

As the AI Ready ASEAN Regional Hub for Region VIII, LNU serves as a venue for strengthening regional participation in AI literacy programs and facilitating access to relevant learning opportunities. The partnership also provides opportunities for collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders in promoting responsible and inclusive digital transformation.

The initiative is implemented by SmartCT, supported by LinkedIn and Google.org, and organized by the ASEAN Foundation, with LNU and CHED among the participating institutions.

Through this partnership, LNU continues to advance its commitment to innovation, lifelong learning, and community engagement—helping prepare individuals and institutions in Region VIII for the opportunities and responsibilities of an AI-enabled future.

Published by: Rico Combinido | IT Support Office