UP launches pioneer batch of employees trained to build AI workflow systems
9 March 2026 | Written by: Marianne Yzabelle P. Laron
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – After a four-month intensive preparatory training in programming and AI-native coding, 19 employees and staff from the University of the Philippines (UP) system and constituent universities qualified for the Dx Labs AI for Institutional Transformation in UP: Automating UP System Workflows Using AI Agents Workshop and created their minimum viable product of an AI-powered office workflow using real-world, university-sourced problems.
The onsite workshop and culminating event commenced last Mar. 5-6, at the National Engineering Center, UP Diliman.
Agentic AI’s rise in the Philippines continues to revolutionize the workplace at an unprecedented rate. The challenge and opportunity are clear: for individuals and organizations to cowork with, not fear, AI. This was emphasized by Dr. Rowel Atienza, the event’s resource person, UP Scientist, Professor, and a key contributor to the development of the country’s first Master of Engineering and PhD programs in Artificial Intelligence.
“An AI employee is very valuable. It is to your advantage to learn this now. Even if you do not have a background in Computer Science. You just need to understand the basics and lean in your expertise,” added Dr. Atienza.
During the two-day workshop, participants learned how to code with, context engineer, design, and orchestrate AI agent systems, enabling them to create solutions that automate routine office processes.
Among workflows developed were systems database information updating, email communications management, certificate processing, and report generation, demonstrating how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and improve operational efficiency.
UP envisions developing self-sustaining communities of practice across its units. Being the first batch, Dx Labs AI 2026 completers shall lead in making AI relevant and responsive to the needs and rights of its internal and external stakeholders.
“Ang natutunan natin ay hindi lang teoretikal. Kayo ang pinakaunang nag automate ng processes sa UP [gamit ang AI]. Tayo ang magiging template. Dalhin natin ito sa iba’t ibang tanggapan natin at maghanda para sa hinaharap ng AI,” said Dr. Prospero C. Naval, Jr., Professor of Artificial Intelligence in UP Diliman, and Founder and Laboratory Head of the Computer Vision and Machine Intelligence Group (CVMIG).
(“We learned not just theoretical aspects of AI. You were the first ones to automate UP processes using it. You created the templates. Let’s bring these to our offices and prepare for the future of AI.”)
“In the budget office, AI can help automate routine tasks like data analysis, report generation, and budget monitoring. Using these tools can reduce errors, streamline workflows, and free up time for more strategic decision-making,” said Judith Aguanta, Administrative Assistant at the UP Cebu Budget Office.
This initiative supports UP President Angelo Jimenez’s Flagship Program 10 on Digital Transformation and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By building in-house expertise and custom AI solutions, UP reduces dependence on costly external vendors while addressing its unique operational requirements.
To stay updated on future similar events, follow the University of the Philippines (UP) Office of the Vice President for Digital Transformation’s (OVPDx) Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/upovpdx.
For more information, reach out to the UP OVPDx email at: [email protected].