Instructure, the edtech company behind the Canvas learning management system (LMS), highlighted a new vision for future-ready education at CanvasCon Philippines 2025 held at the Grand Hyatt Manila on September 10, 2025.
The annual conference emphasized that creating a modern education system requires more than just technology, it also demands inclusive pathways, AI upskilling and literacy, and simplified systems for lifelong learning. The event brought together over 400 attendees including educators, administrators, and thought leaders from across the Philippines and abroad.
Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), opened the conference with a keynote address on how AI is reshaping education. She said AI will make educators’ lives easier, noting that while jobs and skills will change, learning must never stop because AI is no longer the future, it’s already here.
Meanwhile, Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, spoke about AI operational efficiency and effectiveness and stressed that the human capacity for learning and evolving is what keeps learners and educators relevant. “We all carry the world’s knowledge in our pockets right now, but we still need teachers. We still need guides to help us along our learning pathways. That unique spark between a teacher and a student—that’s the magic of education. AI can help facilitate and keep that unique connection.”
Throughout the day, sessions reflected the three core themes shaping the country’s education landscape: making sense of AI in classrooms and institutional settings, supporting every learner’s unique path through flexible, interactive, and mobile-first approaches, and simplifying systems to reduce administrative challenges while scaling access and equity.
The event brought together educators from top universities in the Philippines including Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, Our Lady of Fatima University, Mapua University, Holy Angel University, Far Eastern University, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, De La Salle Lipa, and Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
A closing panel featured The Bean Center CEO Martin Bean, Holy Angel University OIC President Leopoldo Valdez, and FEU Roosevelt Senior Vice President Alma Emerita V. De La Cruz, who shared their experiences in creating personalized learning pathways and enhancing student engagement.
Harrison Kelly, Managing Director for APAC at Instructure, concluded the conference by citing the Philippines State of Higher Ed 2025 report where 83% of educators agree that delivering lifelong learning is a strategic priority for their institution. “Though institutions are at different phases of AI adoption to support lifelong learning, the truth is we are all in this together. At Instructure, we are committed to walking alongside institutions as strategic technology partners, aligning not only with their technology needs, but with their pedagogical mission and vision.”
This year’s CanvasCon also marked a milestone for Instructure with the recent opening of its Asia hub in Manila. The new office will deepen collaboration with schools, universities, and learning institutions across Asia. By locating its hub in the Philippines, Instructure is signaling a long-term commitment to empowering educators and advancing student success through scalable, impactful technology in the region.
