Extending the culture of knowledge sharing and academic innovation beyond the classroom, Rizal Technological University (RTU), in partnership with the Office of the Congresswoman of the Lone District of Mandaluyong, hosted MindSpark: Youth Symposium 2026 on July 4, 2026, gathering 300 Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholars to discuss the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), combating misinformation, and enhancing youth financial literacy.

The event, themed “Bridging Knowledge, Empowerment, Critical Thinking, Growth, and Leadership”, aimed to enhance young leaders’ knowledge in timely and relevant topics that benefit the next generation of leaders through the youth summit. It served as an opportunity for the participants to share ideas and insights in developing innovative solutions to relevant issues.

MindSpark featured three speakers, including Atty. Flordeliza D. De Leon, Head of the Mandaluyong City Human Resource Management Department; Prof. Damiel Joseph U. Caasi, Chairperson of the Department of Broadcast Communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines; and Instr. Jose Marie N. Laforteza, faculty member of the Financial Management Department of RTU.

Atty. De Leon led the sessions with her discussion on the Ethical Use of AI, opening her talk with an overview of the current landscape of AI use in the government. She claimed that the use of AI is no longer optional in education, underscoring that AI is an emerging learning-enhancement technology when used wisely and ethically.

Supporting her statements, Atty. De Leon outlined how AI can be used ethically to support learning and enhance government services, emphasizing that it must be used proportionately and without intent to do harm. She highlighted users’ responsibility and accountability when using the software, with consideration for data protection and people’s right to privacy. She listed four pillars of ethical AI use: Transparency and Disclosure, Verification and Critical Evaluation, Academic Integrity, and Respect for Intellectual Property.

Following Atty. De Leon’s insightful discussion, PUP Prof. Caasi discussed Fighting Disinformation and Misinformation in the Digital Age. With his years of experience in broadcast communications, Prof. Caasi defined media as more than a tool for communication; according to him, it is also about business, technology, culture, and power.

His discussion focused on how to navigate the internet, specifically social media, using his proposed 3Cs: Creative, Critical, and Caring. He advised the participants to create sensible and creative content that can make a positive impact on the audience, remain critical and vigilant about every piece of content they see, hear, and share, and always use social media with care, responsibility, and respect for others.

RTU’s own Instr. Laforteza did not fall short in the series of great discussions, sharing insights and advice on investing in stocks and bonds, underscoring the importance of saving for financial freedom. According to him, financial discipline is the key to financial freedom, and that mindset shift is the first step one can make towards it.

The participating youth scholars joined the conversation through moderated question-and-answer sessions following each discussion, fully immersing themselves in the event’s collaborative and academic themes.

MindSpark: Youth Symposium 2026 is a three-part series, set to return to RTU on September 5 and 12 to deliver another round of impactful discussions for two more batches of 300 CHED scholars.

As the first installment of MindSpark closes, RTU and the Office of the Congresswoman of the Lone District of Mandaluyong maintain their strong partnership towards their shared goal of uplifting and empowering the youth to secure a future led through competent and responsible leadership.