June 10, 2025 — Cebu City
In a landmark move for AI education in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Cebu formally launched the Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an online information session held on June 10 via Zoom.
Spearheaded by UP Diliman’s College of Engineering in partnership with UP Cebu’s College of Science, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world AI applications. UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez delivered opening remarks, highlighting the growing imperative for advanced AI education in the context of global technological transformation. Referencing projections by the McKinsey Global Institute, Jimenez noted that by 2030, over 70% of companies worldwide are expected to integrate at least one AI technology into their operations.
The Master of Engineering in AI is a two-year professional degree designed to train engineers, scientists, and technical professionals in the design, development, and deployment of autonomous AI systems. It was approved by the UP Board of Regents in 2021 and is set to begin its first semester in August 2025. Courses will follow a hybrid format with synchronous evening classes (6–9 PM on Thursdays to Saturdays) and occasional in-person sessions in Cebu.
Dr. Prospero Naval, the program’s academic coordinator, provided an overview of the curriculum, which emphasizes mathematical rigor, algorithmic development, and practical system implementation. The program requires prior proficiency in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and programming, and is intended for professionals seeking to upskill in a field with strong demand across sectors.
Faculty from across UP’s engineering and science disciplines will guide students in applied AI research areas, including:
- Human-robot interaction and robotics systems
- Natural language processing and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
- Medical informatics and imaging
- Environmental AI, including underwater robotics and weather prediction
- Bioinformatics and genomic data processing
- Speech synthesis and Filipino-language embeddings
Highlighted capstone projects presented during the session included AI-driven deforestation monitoring, audiobook generation with emotional nuance, and predictive maintenance for aero engines—reflecting the program’s alignment with both academic inquiry and industrial needs.
In his message, Dr. Alvin Roxas relayed remarks from UP Cebu Chancellor Dr. Leo Malagar, emphasizing the necessity of teaching AI not only as a tool but with a deep regard for ethical and societal implications. Dean Maria Antonia Tanchuling also stressed the program’s goal: to develop AI creators, not just users.
To support full-time students, DOST-ERDT scholarships are available, offering full tuition coverage and a ₱30,000 monthly stipend. Due to the program’s demanding nature, scholars are expected to pursue their studies full-time.
The UP team is currently engaging with industry partners in Cebu to promote AI talent development through research collaborations and company-sponsored graduate study. The program’s rollout in the Visayas also marks a strategic step toward decentralizing access to advanced STEM education in the Philippines.
Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the program interest survey or reach out via info_ai@upd.edu.ph. Formal applications may be submitted through the National Graduate School of Engineering (NGSE) admissions portal.
Tags: #ArtificialIntelligence #GraduateStudies #AIinPH #UPSystem #TechEducation #MachineLearning #ERDT #STEMPhilippines