THE University of Cebu (UC) is expanding its academic offerings by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) courses and degree programs, joining other Philippine universities in addressing growing employer demand and seizing opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
This new AI major will be under UC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program that is set to launch in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The program will be offered across three campuses: UC Main, UC Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue campus and UC Banilad with enrollment commencing in June 2025.
This new course aims to equip students with practical skills and industry-ready competencies, ensuring they are prepared for both local and global AI-driven opportunities.
UC vice chancellor for business development and innovation Ofelia Maña, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, said the AI major is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science, combined with specialized knowledge in AI technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and robotics.
The program will offer theoretical learning and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for high-demand careers, including AI engineers, data scientists and machine
learning specialists.
“This initiative reflects UC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge education that aligns with the evolving needs of the industry,” said Maña.
She added that the decision to introduce the AI major was influenced by insights from the People Management Association of the Philippines conference, where human resource and industry leaders highlighted the growing demand for AI-ready graduates.
To develop an updated curriculum, UC’s technical team conducted research visits to top institutions, including four universities in Taiwan and the AI Simulation Lab at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand.
UC also invested in an AI laboratory, which is now 90 percent complete.
The Philippine IT-BPM industry, one of the country’s largest employers, has been vocal about needing more workers who have advanced skills in AI, data analytics and programming.
“By consistently and urgently upskilling our workforce in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics and cloud solutions, we ensure that the Philippines remains an indispensable partner in the global information technology-business process management landscape,” said Jack Madrid, president and chief executive officer of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines. / KOC