Quezon City: Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of critical thinking in the face of increasing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content and deepfakes online. This statement comes in response to a viral AI-generated content incident on Facebook, involving two supposed learners questioning the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, Angara stressed the necessity for social media users, particularly learners, to be vigilant and cautious online. He remarked on the capabilities of AI, urging people to be careful. "Magaling talaga ang AI. So, kailangan maingat ang tao ngayon (The AI is really excellent. So, the people now must be careful)," he said during a media interview at the launch of DepEd's medical partnership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health at Esteban Abad Elementary School.

Angara emphasized, "Kailangang maging mapanuri at iyan ay gusto rin naming ituro sa eskwelahan. Iyan ay bahagi ng tinatawag nating (There's a need to be cautious and that's what we want to teach in schools. That's a part of) critical thinking." He elaborated that DepEd is actively working on integrating AI into the systems used by teachers and within learners' curricula, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He mentioned that the establishment of an AI research center in DepEd has been approved by the President, with ongoing development of modules for students. For teachers, Angara highlighted the use of Khanmigo, in partnership with Khan Academy, as an AI-powered platform that aids in lesson planning. This platform significantly reduces the time needed to complete lesson plans from two days to just an hour.