As the second semester of Rizal Technological University (RTU) draws near, the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) Learning and Development (L&D) Section conducted the Second Semester Pre-Opening Seminar (POS) titled “EMPOWERED RTU: Ethical, Practical, and Human-Centered AI for Education and Workflows”, preparing both faculty and administrative personnel, and revitalizing everyone’s vigor for the new semester.

Held on January 12, 2026, at the SNAGAH Penthouse, the POS focused on integrating AI into the university’s functions, underscoring how AI is revolutionizing education and workflows.

This drew the support of the leader-representative of the faculty and administrative personnel. Mr. Arnel Jaming, President of the Association of Administrative Personnel (ASAP), noted how AI allows easier processing of reports and documents. Assoc. Prof. Guillermo Miguel O. Ochoa, President of the Federation of Faculty Union and Associations, Inc. (FFUAI), reiterated that AI is not a foe but a tool for learning, and that anyone who educates must not cease learning.

In the morning session, the seminar featured the expertise of Mr. Alex Takeda Lagata Jr., Deputy CEO Co-Founder of EmotiCoreAI, who highlighted that AI adoption is a human resources issue. He claimed that AI is not being adopted by the workforce due to employees’ resistance to change, a lack of training, and an unclear sense of responsibility.

He outlined the realities inside universities, emphasizing how AI can ease repetitive workflows and aid in employee functions. According to him, “AI is no longer optional for universities”. 

Mr. Legarta Jr. concluded his discussion with an immersive presentation and interaction with the AI Avatar models developed by EmotiCoreAI.

The afternoon leg of the POS featured the presentation of various important updates from the different university offices, including the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Institute of Flexible Learning and Digital Education (IFLDE), University Procurement Management Office (UPMO), Financial Management Services Office (FMSO), Quality Assurance Office (QAO), and the unions—ASAP and FFUAI.

A few of these vital updates included the developments in RTU’s human resource policies, RTU’s ETEEAP Deputization through IFLDE, updates in the status of procurements, RTU’s budget utilization, and the quality assurance certifications secured by RTU.

More than a preparation for the upcoming semester, the POS is a vital move towards a more inclusive and collaborative Pandayang Rizalia. A strengthened and more aligned workforce ensures a clearer path for all Rizalianos.