Suggested AI Use Declarations for Teachers and Learners

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the Philippine educational landscape. From generating lesson plans to assisting students with complex research, AI tools are redefining how we teach and learn.

However, integrating AI into the classroom raises critical questions about academic integrity, data privacy, and authenticity. How do schools ensure that AI serves as an instructional aid rather than a replacement for critical thinking?

The solution lies in transparency. By utilizing an AI Use Declaration, both teachers and learners can clearly document their use of generative AI tools, fostering an environment of trust and accountability.

The Legal Framework: DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2026

Educators and administrators no longer have to navigate the AI landscape blindly. The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially established a legal and policy framework with the issuance of DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2026, dated February 20, 2026.

Titled "Foundational Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education," this landmark directive outlines the country's approach to EdTech integration. Signed by Secretary Sonny Angara, the order highlights several core mandates:

• Technological Advancement: The guidelines encourage technological advancement to achieve accessible, high-quality education.
• Academic Integrity and Safety: The policy aims to promote academic integrity and foster inclusive, safe, and meaningful learning experiences for all learners.
• Preserving Human Agency: Crucially, the order dictates that AI must strengthen governance and enhance learning experiences "without replacing human agency".

To translate these high-level guidelines into actionable classroom practices, schools are highly encouraged to adopt standardized AI Use Declarations.

1. Suggested AI Use Declaration for Teachers

Teachers must model the ethical digital citizenship they expect from their students. By attaching this declaration to course syllabi, lesson plans, or digital learning management systems (LMS), educators openly demonstrate how AI enhances their instruction while legally affirming their professional oversight.

FOR TEACHER AI USE DECLARATION

Consistent with the policy guidelines on the use of AI in basic education, I, [insert full name of teacher], hereby declare that I have used AI tools to assist in the preparation and delivery of teaching and learning materials.

I used [AI tool/app/program] to [insert name/description of lesson/activity/output] for the purposes of [insert purpose, e.g., lesson planning, content generation, assessment, quiz creation, providing feedback, etc.]. The prompt(s) used were [list of prompts].

I affirm that the use of AI tools was intended solely to enhance the quality of instructional material, align with curriculum standards, and support the teaching and learning process. All outputs have been reviewed, adapted, edited, and validated using my professional expertise and agency to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with learners' developmental needs/levels.

Likewise, I affirm that no confidential learner information or sensitive institutional information/data was shared with the AI platform/app identified above in the process.

ILAW Lesson Plan Template with AI Use Declaration (Free Download) -  DOWNLOAD

Why Teachers Need This Declaration:

• Maintains Professional Agency: Explicitly confirms that the teacher has reviewed and validated all AI-generated content, in line with the DepEd mandate that AI should never replace human agency.
• Ensures Data Privacy: The clause regarding confidential information protects students by reminding educators not to enter sensitive data (such as grades or behavioral records) into public AI platforms.

2. Suggested AI Use Declaration for Learners

Banning AI is often ineffective and drives student use underground. Providing a structured declaration empowers students to use AI responsibly and shifts the conversation from policing plagiarism to teaching proper citation and digital literacy.

FOR LEARNER AI USE DECLARATION

I, [insert full name of learner], declare that I used AI tools in the completion of this schoolwork. I acknowledge that AI is only a tool that can help support my learning, but it cannot replace my own effort, thinking, and learning. Below are the details of how I used AI in this task:

I used [AI tool used, i.e., name of app/website] in the task [name of task/project/presentation/output] to [purpose of using AI tool]. The part/s of the task/output submitted that used AI are [insert part of the task] with the prompt of [insert prompts used].

I confirm that I have reviewed, edited, and understood all the content completed. I used AI tools only to support my learning and not to replace my own thinking, agency, or output. I take full accountability for the final output submitted.

Why Learners Need This Declaration:

• Promotes Academic Integrity: By detailing the exact tools and prompts used, students learn to cite AI assistance just as they would cite a traditional research source.
• Demands Critical Thinking: Students must sign off that they have "reviewed, edited, and understood" the material, proving they are actively engaging with the content rather than passively copying it.

Conclusion: Innovating Responsibly in Philippine Classrooms

With the issuance of DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2026, the path forward is clear: Philippine basic education must embrace AI to remain globally competitive, but it must do so responsibly.

Implementing these Suggested AI Use Declarations protects educators, empowers learners, and builds a culture of transparency. By standardizing how we disclose AI use, we guarantee that technology remains a powerful tool to support—never replace—the human heart of education.

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Ready to implement this in your school? Feel free to copy the templates above for your classroom use! To read the complete guidelines, you can download the official document through the Department of Education's issuance portal. DOWNLOAD DEPED ORDER 3, s. 2026