Reflection Paper on The Conference Title: “RAITE 2025: Regional Assembly on Information Technology Education - "IT Beyond Tomorrow: Shaping the Digital Frontier

             

        I attended the Regional Assembly on Information Technology Education (RAITE) 2025, organized by the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) – Central Luzon. The event took place on October 17, 2025, at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Sumacab Campus, in Cabanatuan City. Under the theme “I.T. Beyond Tomorrow: Shaping the Digital Frontier,” the assembly brought together IT educators, students, and professionals to discuss current trends and innovations in the digital field.

        The morning session featured presentations from several notable speakers, including Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo, Dr. Teddy C. San Andres, Mr. Gilbert M. Tumibay, who spoke on “Smarter or Dumber: What is AI Really Doing to Me,” Dr. Rodolfo C. Raga Jr., who addressed “Beyond the Prompt: Transitioning Filipino Students from AI Users to AI Builders,” and Engr. Delaney Ofrecio, who discussed “Digital Footprint: What Does the Internet Know About You?”

        In the afternoon, various competitions were held, including Cloud Computing, Quiz Bee, Hackathon, E-sports (MLBB and Valorant), Design Contests, Pop Dance, and the Mr. & Ms. Ambassador pageant. The event concluded with the awarding of the winners.

            From the session, I gained a deeper understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Philippine context, particularly how Filipinos have increasingly integrated AI into daily life and education. Dr. Rodolfo C. Raga Jr. discussed how AI is widely used in fields such as Data Science, Marketing, and Education, presenting both its advantages and risks—especially the decline in critical thinking and motivation due to overreliance on AI. Statistics showed that 86% of educational institutions, about 48–49% of Filipinos, and 52% of young learners use AI tools, reflecting how embedded it has become in society. However, this also highlights the “AI Paradox,” where the Philippines is one of the most eager users but among the slowest builders of AI technology. The speaker emphasized the importance of developing AI skills, citing RA 11927 or the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, which supports digital skill development and readiness for the global economy. Memorable quotes from the talk included, “AI should be your co-pilot, not your autopilot” and “If we stop thinking for ourselves, AI won’t replace us—it will own us.” These reminded me that AI should be a tool for enhancement, not dependency. Aside from the talks, I also enjoyed watching the competitions such as Hackathon, Quiz Bee, e-sports, and design contests, which showcased the creativity and talent of students from various schools. Overall, this event made me realize that while AI is a powerful ally in innovation, we must still use it responsibly and continue to think critically and creatively as humans.

        I believe I should limit my use of AI more often. I find it challenging to start my essays without AI’s assistance. I can easily become too comfortable relying on AI because it completes tasks quickly and easily, making it tempting to use, especially when I'm not motivated to do any paperwork.

            Although I can create art myself, I dislike the idea of using AI to generate artwork. It undermines many artists, as people can now simply ask AI to create art for them instead of commissioning real artists. This trend extends to videos as well. I've noticed that some AIs are already being used to generate content that goes viral on TikTok, and many find it entertaining. This situation allows individuals without artistic talent to easily create impressive videos or animations using AI, enabling them to earn money without the usual effort required in artistic creation.

        The event was entertaining, with many schools invited to compete in various categories such as quiz bees, dance battles, pageants, and more. Each school showcased impressive performances, demonstrating their competitive spirit and passion for their respective fields. The host was energetic and kept the audience engaged; we even enjoyed a quick karaoke night where many people enthusiastically participated. Lastly, the raffle was a highlight, generating excitement due to the substantial cash prize. Although I didn’t win anything, I still had a great time!

        Regarding the seminar itself, there were a few technical issues, but I found it amusing as we joked about having been "hacked." That’s all I have to say.