Wesleyan University–Philippines (WUP) emphasized the continuing relevance of the Filipino language in education amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), growing ASEAN regionalism, and the dominance of English in higher education during the Webinar Forum Para sa mga Guro held on August 25, 2026.

With the theme “Filipino sa Panahon ng AI at ASEAN: Wika, Instruksiyon, at Pagkatuto sa Gitna ng Dominanteng Ingles,” the webinar brought educators and participants together to examine the role of Filipino in contemporary teaching and learning and explore ways to keep the language meaningful, dynamic, and appropriate in academic and professional settings.

The forum aimed to deepen understanding of the continuing role and importance of Filipino as an instructional and learning language in the face of emerging technologies, ASEAN regional integration, and the increasing use of English in higher education.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos underscored the importance of valuing one’s own language, citing the well-known statement, “Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay masahol pa sa hayop at malansang isda.”

Ramos also highlighted the role of AI as an emerging tool in education and professional work. He stressed that technology should serve as an aid rather than a replacement for human capability, saying, “Ang AI ay isang kasangkapan lamang upang tulungan tayo sa ating gawain at hindi upang tayo ay palitan ng tuluyan.”

He further encouraged participants to adapt to technological developments while maintaining their sense of purpose and responsibility. “Sa pamamagitan nito [webinar], nawa ay matutunan nating sabayan ang makabuluhang pagbabagong ito,” Ramos said.

Serving as the guest speaker, Prof. Rene Boy E. Abiva, a recognized writer, scholar, and educator, emphasized that language remains dynamic because of its continued use in everyday life.

“Ang wika ay buhay, ginagamit sa pang araw-araw na buhay,” Abiva said, stressing that Filipino continues to evolve alongside the people who use it.

He also affirmed the capacity of Filipinos to participate in a multilingual and increasingly interconnected world, noting, “May kakayahan ang mga Filipino na sumabay din sa iba’t ibang bansa na namamayagpag ang wika.”

The discussion highlighted the need for educators to view Filipino not merely as a language associated with cultural identity but also as a living medium that can adapt to contemporary academic, technological, and professional environments.

Meanwhile, Dr. Juanito C. Leabres Jr., in his closing remarks, emphasized that the use of Filipino and English should not be viewed as mutually exclusive.
“Hindi kailangan mamili sa pagitan ng Filipino at Ingles,” Leabres said, adding that English can serve as a means of accessing knowledge and understanding other cultures. “Ang paggamit ng wikang Ingles ay hindi ibig sabihin na tayo ay bihasa. Ito ay tulay sa kaalaman at kultura.”

The forum ultimately underscored the importance of balancing linguistic identity with openness to global knowledge and technological change. As AI and regional integration continue to influence education, the discussions pointed to the need for Filipino to remain a relevant and adaptable language in classrooms and other academic spaces.

Through the webinar, WUP reinforced the role of educators in ensuring that the Filipino language continues to live, develop, and contribute meaningfully to learning amid a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Article and photo by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)