The Augustinian International Education Congress (AIEC) 2024, themed “AI-Vangelization: New technologies, Learning, and Evangelization,” took place at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, Philippines, from July 22 to 26, 2024. The congress, held on the 7th floor of the University, commenced with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration led by Archbishop Jose Romeo Orquejo Lazo, DD of the Archdiocese of Jaro.

The congress was graced by the presence of distinguished speakers and scholars, who shared their expertise and insights on the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and evangelization. Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, the university president, emphasized the potential of AI for personalization, teacher assistance, and administrative efficiency while underscoring the ethical considerations and responsible use of AI in alignment with Catholic principles. This set the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of AI on academia and evangelization.

The congress featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including:

• Fr. Daniel Gonzales, SDB, Vice President for Academics at Don Bosco School
• Jasper Vincent Alontaga, Director of the Online Distance Education Office and Associate Professor at De La Salle University, Manila
• Fr. Alessandro Picchiarelli, a Diocesan priest and Computer Engineer from Italy
• Fr. Mauricio Saavedra, OSA, Academic Vice-Rector of Unicervantes University, Colombia
• Nenita V. Habulan, President of Continuing Education for Learning Professionals (CELPI)
• Miguel Q. Rapatan, Associate Professor at De La Salle University, Manila
  
  

The keynote address by Rev. Fr. Elias Neira Arellano, OSA, focused on “From the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the Anthropological Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence,” providing insights into the implications of AI in both educational and evangelization contexts.

In addition to academic sessions, the congress included cultural shows and tours, allowing delegates to experience the rich heritage of Iloilo and its surroundings. This cultural immersion provided attendees with an opportunity to engage with local customs, traditions, and gastronomy, enhancing the overall experience of the congress.

The impact of AI in the academe and evangelization was a prominent focus of the discussions. The potential of AI to personalize education, provide teacher assistance, and streamline administrative tasks was underscored, offering a glimpse into the future of education. The ethical considerations and responsible use of AI in alignment with Catholic principles were emphasized, ensuring that the integration of AI into education and evangelization remains rooted in compassion, integrity, and service. The congress provided a platform to explore how AI can revolutionize the learning experience while staying true to the core values of the Augustinian tradition.

The AIEC 2024 served as a pivotal platform for educators and leaders to explore the intersection of AI, education, and faith, paving the way for innovative approaches in the academic and spiritual realms. The congress concluded with a Eucharistic celebration by Most Rev. Fr. Andrew Bayatola, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu – Philippines.

The AIEC 2024, organized by the Order of Saint Augustine under the International Commission of Apostolate and Evangelization is headed by Rev. Fr. Javier Perez Barba, OSA, Assistant General of the Order of Saint Augustine, in partnership with the University of San Agustin – Iloilo, marked a significant milestone as the first congress of its kind held in Asia.
The AIEC 2024 was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a future where AI and evangelization harmoniously coexist, enriching the academic landscape and nurturing the spirit of service and compassion.