On June 23, 2025, the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) of DILG Region 10 conducted an in-house knowledge-sharing session titled “LGMED iShare: ChatGPT and Microsoft Excel Hacks” at the DILG Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro City. Among the highlights of the activity was an in-depth orientation on ChatGPT, presented by Ms. Frelyn L. Rosqueta, LGOO V, which aimed to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in a practical and responsible manner for government personnel. The session drew the attention of eleven (11) LGMED personnel who were eager to learn how AI-powered tools can assist them in their day-to-day functions.
Ms. Rosqueta delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Everything You Need to Know About ChatGPT”, which included a walkthrough of the basic and technical features of the tool. Participants were introduced to OpenAI's ChatGPT, an advanced language model capable of generating human-like responses to a wide range of prompts. The speaker explained how ChatGPT works, emphasizing that it generates content based on patterns found in vast amounts of publicly available data. Topics discussed included:
✅ What is ChatGPT and how it functions
✅ How and where ChatGPT gets its data
✅ Common uses and limitations in a government context
✅ Navigating the ChatGPT interface efficiently
✅ Examples of use for writing drafts, reports, and correspondence
The presentation also addressed essential concerns on responsible and secure AI usage. Ms. Rosqueta emphasized that while ChatGPT is a helpful tool, it is not always accurate and may produce outdated or misleading content, especially on sensitive or time-bound matters. She provided answers to frequently asked questions, such as:
❓ Can I trust the AI to tell the truth?
❓ Will my chats be used to train the model?
❓ Can ChatGPT delete my data or specific prompts?
❓ What happens when I turn off the “Improve the model for everyone” setting?
She guided participants on how to manage data privacy settings by navigating the ChatGPT platform’s “Data Controls” section. Users were encouraged to turn off data sharing if they preferred their inputs not be used for model training. Moreover, the discussion emphasized the importance of validating AI-generated information using credible sources, especially when it concerns official documents, policies, or statistics.
The session concluded with strategies on how to responsibly incorporate ChatGPT into office workflows. Ms. Rosqueta encouraged staff to view ChatGPT as a supportive assistant for tasks such as drafting letters, brainstorming ideas, simplifying technical content, and organizing initial outlines.
However, she reminded everyone that human judgment, domain expertise, and careful review remain vital. Key strategies for ethical and productive AI use were highlighted, including:
✅ Cross-referencing ChatGPT outputs with reliable sources
✅ Avoiding the use of ChatGPT as the sole information source
✅ Critically evaluating logic and factual consistency
✅ Educating others about the tool’s capabilities and risks
✅ Reporting observed misinformation or model errors
Overall, the ChatGPT session succeeded in equipping LGMED staff with foundational knowledge on artificial intelligence and promoting responsible digital tool usage in the public sector. It served as a timely and relevant learning activity in an era where digital transformation and innovation continue to shape the way government services are delivered.