The Mapúa Education Group has launched what it describes as the Philippines’ first comprehensive institution-wide AI Fluency Strategy, embedding artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, assessment, and faculty development beginning Academic Year 2026-2027.
Developed in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), the initiative spans Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and Mapúa Malayan Digital College. Rather than treating AI as a standalone subject, the strategy integrates AI competencies throughout the student learning experience with an emphasis on responsible, discipline-specific application.
Moving Beyond AI Literacy
According to Mapúa president and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, the initiative distinguishes between AI literacy and AI fluency.
While AI literacy focuses on understanding how artificial intelligence works and using it responsibly, AI fluency requires students to apply AI within their disciplines, critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, recognize bias and errors, and remain accountable for the final work they produce.
“AI literacy is the necessary starting point,” Maestrecampo said. “AI fluency goes beyond awareness and basic use.”
He added that AI is integrated throughout the curriculum rather than confined to a single course, enabling students to understand not only how to use AI tools but also when to use them and how to apply professional judgment alongside them.
A Four-Layer AI Framework
The AI Fluency Strategy is built around four curriculum layers:
- AI for All
- AI in the Discipline
- AI for Learning
- Advanced AI Pathways
The framework introduces foundational generative AI concepts before progressing to specialized fields such as AI Engineering and Data Science.
Mapúa is also expanding its HyFlip learning model, which shifts introductory content to AI-supported asynchronous learning while reserving classroom time for mentoring, discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Rethinking Assessment and Teaching
As part of the initiative, Mapúa is introducing a process-based assessment framework that categorizes coursework as AI-prohibited, AI-assisted, or AI-integrated.
The university said the approach emphasizes students’ critical thinking, decision-making, and learning process instead of focusing solely on final outputs.
Faculty members will also receive continuing professional development through the newly established Mapúa AI Teaching Commons, while students and alumni will have access to stackable AI fluency microcredentials aligned with industry requirements.
Preparing Graduates for an AI-Enabled Workplace
Mapúa said the strategy aims to equip graduates with the ability to work effectively alongside AI technologies while maintaining the human judgment, ethics, and contextual understanding required across professional fields.
Earlier this year, the Mapúa Education Group also introduced ChatGPT Edu across its institutions through its collaboration with OpenAI, providing students, faculty, and staff with access to AI tools designed for academic use.
The AI Fluency Strategy represents the latest phase of Mapúa’s continuing collaboration with Arizona State University as the institution expands its technology-driven approach to higher education.