Centro Escolar University hosted the Mendiola Consortium’s Academic Conference titled “Beyond the Classroom – AI for Learning, Leadership, and Service in the Academic Community” on March 11, 2026 at the Librada Avelino Auditorium.
Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Mendiola Consortium, the conference gathered educators, administrators, and experts to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help improve learning, leadership, and service in schools. It also highlighted the importance of using AI responsibly while keeping education human-centered and values-driven.
The consortium is composed of Centro Escolar University, La Consolacion College Manila, San Beda University, and Saint Jude Catholic School. For five decades, these schools have worked together by sharing academic resources, supporting faculty and students, and organizing programs that promote learning and community development within the Mendiola academic area.
Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Advisor of Passage to ASEAN and Chairperson of the ASEAN AI Council served as the keynote speaker.
Several experts also delivered plenary talks during the conference. Dr. Teresa R. Perez, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of CEU, spoke about “From Academic Integrity to Authentic Learning: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Ms. Claire Tayco, CEO of CirroLytix, discussed the need to build responsible AI institutions in Philippine education.
Other speakers included Chong Meng Tan, Senior Director of Wiley Asia, who talked about AI-driven teaching, and Mr. Patricio “Blums” Pineda III, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group of PLDT and Smart Communications, who shared how AI is being used in different industries.
Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, President and Chief Academic Officer of CEU opened the event with his welcome remarks. Messages were also delivered by Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, Rector-President of San Beda University, and Dr. Victor Castelo, Senior Education Supervisor, Commission on Higher Education, National Capital Region.
The event which was spearheaded by the CEU Office of the University Registrar, led by Dr. Rhoda C. Aguilar, highlighted the strong partnership among the member schools and their shared commitment to improving education while preparing the academic community for the opportunities and challenges brought by AI.
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