The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DoST Ilocos Region) conducted a two-day training titled "Shaping Responsible Communicators through AI: Strategic Prompt Engineering and Ethical, Gender-Responsive Integration" on July 29–30 at the DoST Ilocos Region Multi-Purpose Hall in Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The event was organized by the Regional Science and Technology Promotion Program Center (RSTPPC), led by Lemuel G. Castigo, Science Research Specialist I, in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, guided by GFPS Secretariat Mary Ann B. Ofiana, Project Technical Assistant I. The GAD Unit's involvement reflects a standing government mandate: under Republic Act 9710, the Magna Carta of Women, Philippine government agencies are required to integrate gender perspectives into their programs and services.

Bringing together members of the DoST Ilocos Region Media Core and the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) from both regional and provincial offices, the training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding needed to effectively use Artificial Intelligence (AI) through strategic prompt engineering, while promoting responsible, inclusive, and gender-responsive workplace communication.

In her opening message, Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog emphasized the important role of DoST communicators in making science, technology, and innovation (STI) more understandable, relevant, and accessible to every Filipino.

The first day focused on gender-responsive communication. Nataliza L. Llapitan of the National Gender Resource Pool (NGRP) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) guided participants in recognizing gender bias, using gender-fair language, and producing inclusive communication materials. The NGRP is a roster of certified gender specialists maintained by the Philippine Commission on Women. She underscored that regardless of technological advancements, communicators must remain responsible for ensuring that every message reflects equality, respect, and inclusivity.

On the second day, Engr. Aunhel John M. Adoptante of the DoST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DoST-ASTI) introduced participants to Generative AI, prompt engineering, and responsible AI use. DoST-ASTI is the department's research and development institute for advanced information and communications technologies, including AI. He demonstrated how well-crafted prompts can help generate high-quality drafts for press releases, feature stories, captions, and other communication materials, while emphasizing that human judgment remains essential in verifying facts, protecting data privacy, minimizing AI bias, and maintaining institutional credibility. The emphasis on responsible use mirrors broader Philippine government efforts to guide AI adoption, including the Department of Trade and Industry's National AI Strategy Roadmap, first issued in 2021 and updated in 2024.

Participants then applied their learnings through a hands-on workshop, where they enhanced existing DoST Ilocos Region information, education, and communication (IEC) and promotional materials using AI tools and gender-responsive communication principles. The workshop showcased how AI can improve efficiency in content development while ensuring that messages remain accurate, inclusive, audience-centered, and aligned with the agency's values.

To conclude the two-day activity, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Operations Services Racquel M. Espiritu and ARD for Field Operations Services Decth-1180 P. Libunao led the awarding of certificates to the resource speakers and participants.

In her closing message, Ms. Espiritu commended the workforce for taking proactive steps toward digital transformation and reminded everyone that ethical integrity and gender sensitivity must always remain at the core of science communication.