Researchers were urged to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a valuable support tool while upholding human judgment, ethical responsibility, and accountability as the Central Luzon Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Consortium (CLIEERDEC) concluded the second phase of its capacity-building program, “Maximizing the Use of AI in Research,” on June 18, 2026, at the Quest Plus Conference Center in Clark, Pampanga.

In her message, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) President Dr. Rhodora Jugo, who also serves as CLIEERDEC chairperson, emphasized researchers’ responsibility to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies in research.

“Treat AI as a capable assistant, but never as the final authority,” Dr. Jugo said.

The two-day workshop gathered 34 selected participants from CLIEERDEC member institutions and representatives of the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC), who were chosen from more than 100 participants in the program’s first phase conducted through an online webinar on March 17–18, 2026, with selection based on assessment results.

Focused on “Applied Artificial Intelligence in Research,” the second phase aimed to strengthen researchers’ knowledge and competencies in the strategic and responsible integration of AI tools across various stages of the research process.

Dr. Jugo highlighted AI’s potential to enhance research productivity while preserving the indispensable role of human inquiry and critical thinking.

“AI can serve as a practical and valuable tool that allows researchers to focus their energy on deeper thinking and more meaningful inquiry,” she said.

She also cautioned participants against overreliance on emerging technologies and stressed the importance of discipline, responsibility, and ethical judgment in research.

“But I also believe that we should approach it with caution, discipline, and responsibility,” Dr. Jugo said, adding that “AI cannot replace the curiosity that keeps you searching for answers.”

In her remarks, CLIEERDEC Director and NEUST Research Services Director Dr. Marilene Hipolito reflected on the evolution of research practices across generations, from the use of libraries and typewriters to the advent of the World Wide Web and the emergence of AI-driven technologies.

Dr. Hipolito emphasized that while technological advancements continue to transform the creation and dissemination of knowledge, the foundation of research remains anchored in human curiosity, evidence-based inquiry, problem-solving, and innovation.

“Every generation of researchers has adopted technology that changed the way knowledge was created and shared,” Hipolito said, noting that AI can improve efficiency in searching, analyzing, and communicating research findings but cannot replace human creativity, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and the passion that drives meaningful discovery.

She added that these principles underscore the importance of conducting training programs that equip researchers with the skills needed to use AI responsibly and effectively.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Fabula of Central Luzon State University and chairperson of CLIEERDEC’s Human Resource Development Committee (HRDC) said the workshop was designed to provide researchers, faculty members, research managers, extension practitioners, and innovation leaders with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in applying AI throughout the research lifecycle.

Dr. Fabula emphasized that the training extends beyond introducing AI tools and seeks to develop more effective researchers capable of maximizing these technologies while upholding scientific rigor, ethics, transparency, and academic integrity.

Resource speaker Elmer Peramo, Assistant Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), discussed AI-supported literature review and synthesis, AI-assisted quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method analyses, and AI-assisted academic writing using the IMRAD structure, highlighting verification strategies, validation processes, preservation of scholarly voice, and ethical writing boundaries.

Engr. Julius Noah Sempio, Senior AI Engineer and Learning Course Developer at DOST-ASTI, delivered sessions on AI-assisted research design and methodology development, the strategic use of AI for journal selection and publication, and AI support in peer review and manuscript revision, emphasizing ethical and evidence-based applications.

Dr. Jayson Victoriano, Certified Data Protection Officer of Bulacan State University, presented discussions on explainable AI and AI management systems, AI applications for innovation, intellectual property and research translation, and strategies for establishing institution-wide AI-enabled research workflows with appropriate ethical safeguards.

The workshop culminated on its final day with participants presenting outputs developed during the training, demonstrating how AI tools can be integrated across various stages of the research process while adhering to standards of validation, transparency, and responsible use.

Dr. Hipolito expressed hope that the workshop would empower participants to become not only more productive researchers but also more innovative thinkers, responsible users of artificial intelligence, and stronger contributors to advancing science, technology, and innovation.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Rodel Lorenzo of Pampanga State Agricultural University and vice chairperson of the HRDC expressed the consortium’s gratitude to the participants for their active engagement. He also encouraged them to echo the knowledge and skills gained from the training and support the consortium’s future initiatives.

NEUST Management Information Systems Director Dr. Marlon Torres served as one of the workshop facilitators, while Dr. Marilou Pascual, Director of the University Training Department, Dr. Marivic Villegas, Director of the NEUST Extension Services Department, and Dr. Ramon Duenas of the College of Industrial Technology also participated in the training workshop.

The training formed part of CLIEERDEC’s continuing efforts to strengthen research capabilities, promote the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, and foster innovation across Central Luzon.

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