Advancing its commitment to academic excellence, research integrity, and ethical innovation in the digital age, the Rizal Technological University (RTU) Research Management Office (RMO) participated in an exclusive high-level engagement organized by Turnitin on June 22, 2026, at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City.
The forum brought together academic leaders, research directors, provosts, deans, and higher education administrators from across the country to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in modern education—balancing the efficiency of artificial intelligence (AI) with the enduring value of human-centered pedagogy.
Representing RTU at the executive event was the RMO delegation led by Director, Assoc. Prof. John Eric Estrellado, together with Research Unit Head Engr. Joven Baltazar. Joining them were Mr. Andrei Bibaoco, Research Analyst, and Ms. Alphagen Pajo, Research Assistant, as representatives of the RMO Research Publication Unit.
The event served as a collaborative platform for governance discussions and leadership exchanges on the evolving role of AI in teaching, learning, and research. During the roundtable sessions, the RTU delegation actively shared the University’s experiences and best practices in maintaining research integrity through similarity checking and responsible use of technology in research and thesis evaluation.
A highlight of the forum was the engaging roundtable discussion with Turnitin representatives and administrators from various higher education institutions. Conversations centered on the opportunities and challenges of teaching and learning within AI-driven academic environments, including the importance of preserving critical thinking, originality, and authentic student learning while leveraging emerging technologies.
The discussions were further enriched by insights from Dr. Michael Joseph S. Dino, Research Director of Our Lady of Fatima University and Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida, USA. Dr. Dino emphasized the need for institutions to develop balanced approaches that embrace technological innovation while safeguarding the fundamental principles of education, academic integrity, and human engagement in the learning process.
Through its participation in the event, RTU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a research culture grounded in integrity, innovation, and responsible technology adoption. The engagement also strengthened the University’s connections with academic leaders and industry partners working collectively toward the future of education in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
