BALIWAG CITY, BULACAN — A policy on artificial intelligence is taking shape at Montessori De Sagrada Familia, as administrators, educators, formators, and student leaders gathered on April 21, Monday, at the Pre-Elementary Conference Hall to lay down ethical ground rules for AI use across all the departments.
To define principles, set operational boundaries, and create a review system to guide responsible and acceptable use, education technology expert Francis Jim Tuscano spearheaded the writeshop, framing the conversation around a truth many already sensed: AI is not the future—it is the present.
For educators, the discussion zeroed in on a growing challenge: teacher workload. Leaders agreed AI could reduce routine burdens, giving educators more time for high-stakes decisions. Tuscano, however, argued that AI will not replace educators.
“AI is just a tool, not a teacher. Feedback and evaluations require human insight. But when it comes to menial tasks, AI can help us,” Tuscano said.
After students shared AI’s growing role in their studies, Tuscano urged the group to treat the tool as a thought partner—one that supports, not replaces, human reasoning.
“Our students today probably use AI more than their teachers,” he said.
He then took the opportunity to caution against sharing sensitive data with unsecured tools.
“If something is free, your data is your payment,” he said.
The writeshop then grouped participants into four domains—administration, instruction, student services, and student use—in order to identify how AI can support school operations while staying aligned with the institution’s values.
“Before, I believed AI promoted academic dishonesty,” said Secondary Student Council President Alexis Robert Nuesca.
“Now, I will advocate its ethical use,’’ Nuesca vowed.
Twelve-year-old Brayden Inigo Lo, an incoming Grade 7 student, committed to sharing what he learned.
“We should learn how to use it properly in due time, hence, I will educate my peers,” he said.
AI use for children under 13 remains restricted.
The session closed with a reminder from Vice Principal for Curriculum and Innovation Dan Angelo Bagadiong.
“We must not forget why we are here,” Bagadiong said.
“It is to prepare our learners for the real world.”
By day’s end, the community shaped not only a policy draft but a shared mindset—to harness AI’s promise without losing sight of its risks.