Mapúa University continues to make headway in transforming the landscape of modern higher education with the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (BS AI Engineering) program in mid-2025.
Since its launch in May 2025, BS AI Engineering has been making steady progress and significant breakthroughs for its relevant stakeholders in terms of enrollment, curriculum refinement and industry integration. The program, strategically aligned with the National AI Roadmap of the Philippines, is seen as a future-focused tool that equips students to lead in the deployment of smart systems across industries, build solutions, and drive the country towards its vision as an AI powerhouse.
“The response for the program has exceeded expectations. Enrollment for the pioneer intake was higher than anticipated, and inquiries from prospective students have shown strong and growing interest. This positive reception reflects both the increasing recognition of AI’s relevance across industries and Mapúa University’s reputation for excellence in engineering education. The early momentum provides a strong foundation as the program continues to expand and attract future cohorts,” Dr. Arnold Paglinawan, Dean of Mapúa University’s School of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (EECE), declared. In AI, cohorts refer to groups of users, data points or instances with similar attributes or characteristics that are often utilized to train and evaluate machine learning models.
According to Dr. Paglinawan, among the key milestones that the BS AI Engineering program achieved this year is the pioneer cohort’s enrollment success which established a strong foundation for the program. The first term also successfully delivered vital foundational courses in mathematics, programming, and analytical skills which ensured student readiness for advanced AI topics. Its progress also included curriculum refinement which was based on structured feedback between faculty and students that enabled continuous enhancement of teaching and course delivery strategies. The industry integration was also a positive indication with the active participation of the Program Academic Advisory Panel (PAAP), comprised of School of EECE alumni, being instrumental in providing guidance to ensure that the students will be well-prepared for the evolving demands of the AI industry.
The growing interest of students and potential enrollees signals the relevance of AI in the modern landscape.
“Students are excited about the program because it equips them with cutting-edge skills that are in high demand across industries, offers opportunities for innovation and research, and provides a pathway to contribute to the country’s technological advancement and competitiveness,” Dr. Paglinawan explained.
The Dean also discussed how the faculty members involved in the program possess strong technical expertise in AI and engineering and are complemented by extensive research experience in the practical application of AI across various domains.
“Their competencies extend beyond technical knowledge to include curriculum design, mentorship, and guiding students in developing ethical and socially responsible AI solutions. Collectively, the faculty have played a crucial role in ensuring the early success of the pioneer cohort and the overall quality of the program,” he noted, adding that, on the other hand, the general feedback from students regarding the program has been very positive and highlighted the students’ excitement about being part of pioneer batch and having the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the program.
Meo Vincent Caya, a faculty member, hopes to advance the BS AI Engineering program with ethics as a central part of it.
“I hope to develop a cohort of AI engineers who are not only technically proficient but also deeply grounded in ethical responsibility and national service. We hope to cultivate graduates who can contribute to the country’s technological advancement, address local industry needs, and develop solutions that uplift Filipino communities. By strengthening their foundational competencies and nurturing a sense of patriotism, we aim to produce AI professionals who apply their expertise in ways that support national development and enhance the Philippines’ position in the global digital landscape,” Caya said with optimism.
Sharmaine Villanueva, a part of the pioneer batch of the program, expressed appreciation for her student experience.
“What I hope to achieve transcends the mere title of engineer or the prospects the world of work may present. My ambition is to demonstrate that AI Engineering is not a tool to be wielded in isolation but a transformative force capable of advancing our nation, enriching lives, and shaping the trajectory of society,” Villanueva said.
Mapúa University’s overarching vision for the BS AI Engineering program is beyond academic achievements but is also national in scope.
“The vision for the BS AI Engineering program is to produce graduates who are not only technically competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. We aim to equip students with the skills to innovate, solve complex problems, and contribute meaningfully to national development like advancing the country’s technological capabilities, addressing industry and community needs, and positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global AI landscape,” Dr. Paglinawan concluded.
Visit the Mapúa University website to learn more about how to positively impact society and the nation with the BS AI Engineering program.