The 2024 Augustinian International Education Congress, organized by the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) International Commission of Apostolate and Evangelization in partnership with the University of San Agustin-Iloilo, concluded successfully on July 26, 2024. This year’s theme, “AI-Vangelization: New Technologies, Learning, and Evangelization,” brought together Augustinian educators from around the globe for an insightful exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and evangelization.
Held from July 22-26, the congress featured notable attendees, including the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, Most Rev. Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, OSA; the Assistant General and Coordinator of the International Commission of Apostolate and Evangelization, Rev. Fr. Javier Perez, Barba, OSA; and the Prior Provincial of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu Philippines, Most Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA.
University of San Agustin – Iloilo hosting this year’s AEIC
Delegates from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Philippines participated, with both religious and lay Augustinian educators present, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The congress provided a venue for intellectual discussion on AI’s impact on education and evangelization. Key topics included understanding AI’s nature and characteristics, its pedagogical and ethical dimensions, and its role in transforming the education landscape. Additionally, the management of AI in educational institutions was a focal point. The program culminated in workshops and interactive sessions, engaging participants in personalizing the design, facilitation, and assessment of student learning using AI tools.
Assistant General and Coordinator of International Commission of Apostolate and Evangelization, Rev. Fr. Javier Perez Barba, OSA officially closes the 2024 AIEC
Prominent speakers included Rev. Fr. Elias Neira Arellano, OSA; Rev. Fr. Daniel Gonzales, SDB; Dr. Jasper Vincent Alontaga; Rev. Fr. Alessandro Picchiarelli; Rev. Fr. Mauricio Saavedra, OSA; Dr. Nenita Habulan; and Dr. Miguel Rapatan.
Delegates from Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSAB) included Fr. Raymund Edsel Alcayaga, OSA; Dr. Randdie Cuelo; Ana Roberta Guanco; Charity Rojo; Engr. Jhonel Espanola; Eliand Rey Soliman; James Senido; Maria Teresa Calvez; Lourdes Paglumotan; and Theology teachers Jose Isagani Flores and Juancho Opao. Other friar-administrators in attendance were Fr. Elizer Pelingo, OSA; Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA; and Fr. Ian Ragodon, OSA.
As participants return to their respective institutions, the insights gained and connections made during this momentous event are expected to foster continued innovation and collaboration, especially in the Augustinian educational community throughout the world.
Viva San Agustin!!!
