By Chris Jerico V. Tingson, BA-ELS 4, The Centralian Link Intern

CPU PSSE volunteers and DEVCON Kids, along with faculty and students, pose for a group photo after the Hour of AI Iloilo session at Tiu Cho Teg–Ana Ros Foundation Integrated Farm School.

The Hour of AI Iloilo, organized by DEVCON Kids in collaboration with the Philippine Society of Software Engineers (PSSE), an organization from Central Philippine University (CPU), was held on December 4, 2025, at the Tiu Cho Teg–Ana Ros Foundation Integrated Farm School. The session, part of a series conducted across Iloilo, introduced over 150 elementary and secondary school students to the basics of artificial intelligence.

Students learned how AI processes data, recognizes patterns, and supports everyday digital tools through guided discussions, group activities and hands-on exercises. A highlight of the session was a Scrum-based activity in which learners used random materials and AI-generated ideas to build simple prototypes, demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving.

The session was facilitated by volunteers led by Regine Therese Barte, DEVCON Kids Lead Learner, with the support of CPU PSSE volunteers who assisted in the activity. This approach emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and curiosity, showing students that AI can be accessible and engaging.

The Hour of AI Iloilo was presented by DEVCON Kids and powered by Tech For All. The initiative was organized by DEVCON Iloilo, the Global Shapers Community – Iloilo Hub, the Office of the Vice Mayor of Iloilo City, and the Province of Iloilo – 3rd District, with support from the Marvin Chin Foundation, UMWAD Western Visayas, DOST, CSTA Philippines, Nmblr AI Foundry, and ING.