MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) will allow the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a support tool to enhance learning as more than 26 million students return to classes beginning June 8, Monday.

In a media report, it said that DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said AI will only be used as a learning aid and emphasized the need to maintain teacher judgment while ensuring accountability for improper or illicit use.

He said the integration of AI forms part of the department’s simplified lesson planning system under the ILAW Framework, which stands for Intentions, Learning Experience, Assessing Learning, and Ways Forward.

The policy also streamlines documentation requirements and prohibits the use of additional templates beyond prescribed standards.

DepEd said the ILAW Framework is one of several reform packages and support measures to be implemented this school year, which covers over 45,000 public schools and nearly 900,000 teachers nationwide.

Angara earlier issued guidelines covering the implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar, Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy, revised lesson planning and learning design, updated assessment and grading policies, and the nationwide rollout of the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum.

“The reforms are meant to help schools focus on what matters most: better learning and stronger support for teachers,” Angara said.

“This is part of the efforts to improve the quality of education and ensure that schools, learners, and teachers are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world,” he added.

Under the Three-Term School Calendar, the DepEd said learning periods will be longer and more structured, allowing better pacing of lessons as well as time for remediation, consolidation, and enrichment.

The department also adopted a Learning Continuity in Emergencies policy to ensure schools can sustain instruction during disruptions such as typhoons, floods, extreme heat, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

DepEd also revised its assessment and grading system to focus more on learner progress and feedback, strengthening formative assessment and introducing phased descriptive grading in early grade levels.

The Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum will also be implemented nationwide this school year, offering more flexible learning pathways, expanded electives, and improved preparation for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

Alongside academic reforms, DepEd announced that public school teachers will receive a P10,000 teaching allowance under the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act or Republic Act No. 11997, aimed at supporting classroom expenses. Angara was among the authors of the measure when he was still in the Senate.

“These reforms go hand in hand with our commitment to improve the welfare of our teachers,” Angara said.

DepEd said nationwide orientations have been conducted for school officials and teachers to ensure smooth implementation of the new policies, alongside continued technical assistance, learning resources, and monitoring support throughout the school year.