DOrSU inks AI partnership, eyes Hour of Code rollout from campus to communities
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) formalized a new partnership to scale up artificial intelligence (AI) literacy initiatives following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SmartCitiesPH Inc. (SmartCT) in a blended ceremony held at the DOrSU Board Room and via Zoom on February 16.
Positioning the Hour of Code as one of the University’s front-line outreach activities, the partnership will help bring AI learning sessions from classrooms and offices to wider community audiences, complementing longer-form AI literacy training.
The agreement also establishes DOrSU as an institutional partner of the AI Ready ASEAN Programme—an ASEAN Foundation initiative supported by Google.org and implemented locally by SmartCT—designed to build practical AI literacy and widen access to training tools and certifications. The partnership formalizes DOrSU’s participation in the AI Ready ASEAN Program, a regional initiative designed to strengthen AI education, promote digital innovation, and equip educators and students with essential AI competencies. Through the program, the University gains free access to an online learning management system, AI training materials, globally recognized certifications, and institutional support for implementation.
In presenting the collaboration overview, Dr. Lanie B. Laureano, Director for Extension and Master Trainer, outlined the shared responsibilities of SmartCT and DOrSU. “Our commitment to AI literacy is very important, especially for our students, our community, and our innovators,” Dr. Laureano said, highlighting the University’s proactive efforts in advancing AI education.
In his message, University President Dr. Roy G. Ponce underscored the partnership’s alignment with the University’s long-term direction. “This gives us the opportunity to realize one of the pillars of our GROWTH 2029 agenda, particularly digital transformation,” he said. “This is part of our trajectory toward becoming a regenerative futures university.”
He further stressed the need to equip faculty and staff with AI competencies to effectively integrate AI tools into teaching and learning processes.
Representing SmartCT and the ASEAN Foundation, Kristel Anne Villanueva-Libunao affirmed continued support for DOrSU.
“DOrSU is not just a venue for implementation—you are a co-creator of this movement,” she said, emphasizing the shared goal of making AI education accessible, inclusive, and transformative for the Davao Oriental community.
Even prior to the formal signing, DOrSU had already implemented AI literacy activities in selected classes and community engagements, reaching approximately 1,400 beneficiaries. For instance, “Hour of Code for All” is a key component of the ongoing LAMBO-AI (Literacy for Accessible and Meaningful Better Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence) program, also led by Dr. Laureano. It is among the projects to be implemented for students, young professionals, and employees, with designated personnel assigned to lead the initiative in line with the University’s broader extension and training agenda.
The MOU signing marks the start of coordinated training schedules and wider delivery of AI literacy activities, with Hour of Code sessions expected to serve as an entry point for learners as the University expands AI training across DOrSU and its partner communities. (Shannen Mendoza, BS IT Intern)
