At a gathering of social scientists, researchers, and teachers in Palma Hall, historian and professor Ma. Mercedes G. Planta, PhD, underscored the importance of local knowledge in research.
Planta said traditional knowledge systems, such as local languages, continue to shape social science research, even in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change.
“Language is not just a means of expression, it is a repository of medicinal and ecological knowledge. When language disappears, we want to argue that the loss of language is more critical to the loss of knowledge,” she said.
Her lecture drew largely from her experiences as a historian, among them, as author of Traditional Medicine in the Colonial Philippines, 16th to the 19th Century, which won Best Book in Science of the National Book Awards of the Philippines in 2018.
Acknowledging the ease AI affords in research, Planta still pointed out that it does not always “capture the full meaning, feeling, or cultural wisdom behind the words.” Thus, it is important that people save their language.
“Saving the language helps save the knowledge, stories, and ways of healing that have been passed down for generations. It is not just by writing things down, it is about keeping them alive in a community in practice, and in meaning,” she said.
Planta reminded the social scientists and teachers in attendance to be mindful of their ethical responsibilities to their students, especially since AI introduces many layers of complexity.
“Ethics is not only about research protocols. It is about justice, representation, and access. As social scientists and teachers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students engage critically with these issues, especially since AI has introduced new layers of complexity. AI has changed the way we create and share knowledge. It is important to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard when AI is used,” Planta said.
Concluding her lecture, Planta explained why history must not be viewed as a “distant record but a dynamic, ongoing dialogue.”
“By grounding our work in local knowledge, language, and history, we create methodologies that are not only inclusive but also richer in their depth and in understanding not just of human experience but also of the political experience. This is a social science that must be relevant, more importantly, for Filipinos. This means our research becomes more nuanced and comprehensive, reflecting diverse viewpoints and experiences,” Planta said.
Planta delivered her lecture as keynote speaker at this year’s UP Diliman (UPD) College of Social Sciences and Philosophy’s (CSSP) Extramural Training Seminar for Social Science Teachers (CSSPEX 2025).
CSSP Dean Ruth R. Lusterio-Rico remarked that CSSPEX 2025’s theme Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, and Knowledge Production: Navigating Challenges in Social Sciences Research, is highly significant as social sciences educators strive to address the challenges brought by our rapidly changing world.
UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, for his part, pointed out the responsibility of the teachers and researchers in dealing with AI and knowledge production.
“We must critically examine the ethical implications that arise from our use of this new technology. This is particularly challenging because AI is built on biases because the creators of this system wanted to be credible,” Vistan said.
He added that the discussions that would arise at the event should “provide both practical insights and reflections on how to move forward with awareness, sensitivity, and responsibility.”
CSSPEX 2025 was held from April 24 to 26 at the Pilar Herrera Hall of Palma Hall.