Yitro’s Jeffrey Peter Quoted in The Manila Times on AI and Critical Thinking in Education

Jeffrey Peter, Strategic Advisor – Partnerships & Alliances at Yitro Global, was quoted in The Manila Times (Campus Press, July 30, 2026), in an article titled “PH Lags in Education Futures Readiness Index” by Ernie Cecilia.

The column examines the Philippines ranking of 91st among 177 countries in the Global Education Futures Readiness Index by Education Futures LLC. It also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and the risks of students becoming overly dependent on AI tools.

The discussion builds on an earlier column by the author examining how excessive reliance on AI could affect student’s independent thinking and learning.

Jeffrey Peter highlights the importance of balancing AI adoption with human intelligence, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making.

His key perspectives include:

• AI and Critical Thinking: AI will not eliminate critical thinking, just as calculators did not eliminate mathematics.

• The Importance of AI Literacy: AI literacy and critical thinking must develop together. As he puts it, AI literacy without critical thinking is “the automation of ignorance.”

• Human-Centered Education: Education should prioritize ethics, judgment, understanding, and knowledge, using AI to amplify human potential.

• Human-in-the-Loop Approach: Keeping critical decisions human-led ensures accountability, ethical judgment, and responsible AI use.

• Preparing Future Generations: Students must learn when to trust AI, when to question its outputs, and when to think beyond its capabilities.

He also highlighted NCF’s dedicated AI Labs as an example of how students and faculty can combine creativity, research, and AI to address real-world industry challenges.

At Yitro Global, we believe successful digital transformation goes beyond technology adoption. It requires people, processes, and technology to work together.

As AI continues to reshape industries and education, developing the right skills, encouraging critical thinking, and maintaining human oversight will be essential to creating meaningful and sustainable outcomes.