By Karren Jay G. Asgar

(From left to right) Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Pratik Rahan Mungekar, Director of Research & Innovation and Director of Internationalization at Samarth Group of Institutions; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President; and Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, took a photo opportunity following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Central Philippine University (CPU), through the Local and International Linkages and Affiliations Center (LILAC) in partnership with the CPU-College of Computer Studies (CPU-CCS), hosted a lecture seminar on “Future-Ready Academic Leadership: Navigating Innovation, Technology, and Change in Higher Education” on September 18, 2025, at the Conference Room, Henry Luce III Library.

The seminar gathered CPU administrators, deans, department heads, faculty members, staff, and students to discuss innovation and technology’s role in higher education.

The program opened with a prayer led by Dr. Maredil Ambos, Officer-in-Charge Dean of the College of Education, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, LILAC Director, presented the event’s rationale, while CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered the welcome remarks.

“This afternoon’s event is a meaningful milestone for our institution. It marks the beginning of collaborative efforts that will benefit our students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. This educational partnership is undertaken not only for the good of Central Philippine University but also for our partner institution and the communities we serve,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy said.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CPU, represented by Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, and Sharda Education Society, University of Mumbai, represented by Dr. Pratik Rahan Mungekar. Witnesses to the signing included Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, and Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Following the signing, Prof. Rhea Joy Fernandez introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Mungekar, who also serves as Director of Research & Innovation and Director of Internationalization at Samarth Group of Institutions affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, India.

Dr. Mungekar discussed “Augmented Learning: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating Future-Ready Learners,” emphasizing how artificial intelligence can enhance education delivery, prepare students for emerging global challenges, and foster academic leadership in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

“Today, I will talk about how to use ChatGPT effectively, how to design prompts, and how educators and universities can responsibly integrate AI into teaching, learning, and research. As educators, we must guide our students in using AI responsibly. If we ignore this responsibility, students may be left behind in a rapidly changing world. AI will not replace teachers, rather, it will serve as an assistant that enhances learning. However, its use must be careful, ethical, and aligned with academic integrity,” he said.

He further recommended that universities establish their own AI-use policies to ensure responsible integration. “For example, if a professor assigns a task, there should be clear guidelines about whether and how AI can be used. Without such policies, academic results may be compromised,” he explained.

He added that AI represents not only a classroom tool but also a cultural and educational shift, with universities worldwide already using AI in areas such as disaster risk reduction, traffic management, and smart city planning, showing its potential impact on communities and national development.

As a gesture of gratitude, CPU President, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy and Acting VPA, Dr. Junsay presented Dr. Mungekar with a Certificate of Appreciation and a token after his lecture.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Junsay, highlighting CPU’s commitment to strengthening academic leadership through global linkages and innovative educational partnerships.