Southland College–Kabankalan in Negros Occidental is adopting a multi-sector approach, combining literacy programs, artificial intelligence (AI), and parent engagement, to close learning gaps among early-grade learners (EGLs).
School president Dr. Juan Antonio Villaluz told Brigada News FM on Tuesday, March 31, that the institution prioritizes reading interventions and recognizes literacy as the foundation of learning.
“If a child cannot read, they cannot understand, and if they cannot understand, learning becomes difficult,” he said.
The statement follows findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which show persistent struggles among EGLs.
The school is expanding one-on-one interventions, strengthening coordination with parents, and guiding families in reinforcing reading skills at home to improve learning outcomes.
Villaluz said that education requires shared responsibility among stakeholders.
“It takes a village to raise a child. And the same applies to education,” he said.
The school is promoting stronger parental involvement through a “triangular approach” to learning, where parents, teachers, and students work together to identify weaknesses, address gaps, and monitor progress.
AI integration
Villaluz said AI guides students from basic to more complex concepts and helps teachers identify learning gaps, as the school trains teachers to use it effectively in both classroom and home-based learning.
“This year, we are rolling out a new learning management system that integrates AI. AI is becoming a major factor in education; it can serve as a tutor that students have long needed. This platform has already been used in universities, and we are now introducing it in our system, particularly in the Negros area,” he added.
However, the school president emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent misuse of the technology.
“Like any tool, AI can be misused. That’s why we emphasize proper use. AI should not simply provide answers; it should guide students through the process of learning. We want students to think critically, not just rely on generated responses,” he said.
Villaluz emphasized that “AI should enhance learning, not replace thinking.”
The institution is developing guidelines on AI use in both school and home settings to ensure that technology enhances learning without creating dependence.
“We are developing clear AI policies for both classroom and home use. Our goal is not to create students who depend entirely on technology, but learners who can process information, understand it, and apply it,” Villaluz said.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.