The Mapúa Education Group, in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), has launched what it describes as the Philippines' first comprehensive institutional AI Fluency Strategy, embedding artificial intelligence across its curriculum to prepare students for AI-enabled workplaces.

The initiative, which will be fully implemented in Academic Year 2026-2027, covers Mapúa University, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, and Mapúa Malayan Digital College. The strategy moves beyond basic AI literacy by integrating AI into teaching, assessments, faculty training, and industry-recognized microcredentials while promoting responsible human-AI collaboration.

"It is important for Mapúa to be at the forefront because the group has a long tradition of preparing professionals for fields that build the country — engineering, architecture, technology, business, sciences and other disciplines. As AI transforms these fields, Mapúa has a responsibility to help define what future-ready education should look like in the Philippines," said Mapúa president and CEO Dodjie S. Maestrecampo.

Unlike AI literacy, which focuses on understanding and using AI tools, Mapúa said AI fluency equips students to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, identify bias and errors, and apply AI responsibly within their respective disciplines.

"AI literacy is the ability to understand what AI is, how it works, what its limitations are, and how to use it responsibly. It is the necessary starting point... AI fluency goes beyond awareness and basic use," Maestrecampo said.

The strategy includes a four-layer curriculum, the HyFlex-inspired "HyFlip" teaching model, AI-integrated assessment methods, the Mapúa AI Teaching Commons for faculty development, and stackable AI microcredentials aligned with industry needs.

"We are in the next stage of Mapúa’s continuing mission — to prepare learners who can lead in a changing world, contribute to industry and society, and advance nation-building. Mapúa must not only adapt to the age of AI, Mapúa must help shape it," Maestrecampo said.

Earlier this year, Mapúa also became the first education group in the Philippines to deploy ChatGPT Edu campuswide through its partnership with OpenAI.