As AI rapidly transforms education and society, Catholic educators and academic leaders gathered to reflect on a fundamental question: How can technology advance without losing sight of human dignity?
This question took center stage at the 8th La Sallianum Conference on Faith and Reason, co-hosted by the University of St. La Salle and Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, which brought together educators, religious leaders, and academic representatives from Catholic schools across Bacolod City.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address of CSAB School President, Fr. Jose Rene C. Delariarte, OSA, on “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.”
Drawing from the papal encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Fr. Delariarte emphasized that technological progress must remain grounded in Christian ethics, Catholic Social Teaching, and respect for human agency.
While AI offers unprecedented efficiency and capabilities, the participants learned that it must remain a tool in service of humanity and the common good, never replacing authentic human thought, empathy, moral discernment, and spiritual reflection.
The conference also provided a venue for Catholic educational institutions to exchange insights on guiding students and educators toward the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.
Through this collaborative initiative, Catholic schools reaffirmed their shared commitment to values-based education and human formation in an increasingly digital world.
As AI continues to evolve, the message of the gathering remains clear: Technology may shape the future, but human dignity must remain at its center.
Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Teachmint X Technologies for their valuable technical assistance in the presentation of the keynote address.
