The author (3rd from left) cohosted a luncheon meeting for Asia Philanthropy Circle members in FebruaryAs we reflect on the first quarter of 2025, I am filled with both pride and optimism for the future. Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) continues to break new ground, and our recent milestones remind us of the power of collaboration and dedication in transforming the lives of Filipino children through education.

These first three months of the year have been particularly meaningful. I am proud to share that KCFI has completed 10 episodes of “AgriKids” and three episodes of “Siklo ng Enerhiya,” distributed Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries (KC PMLs) to 13 schools and provided Knowledge Channel TVs (KC TVs) to 52 schools. In addition, we have trained 405 teachers and child development workers (CDWs) across 105 schools and child development centers (CDCs).

Adding to these achievements, KCFI was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing Award at the 43rd Agora Awards. Our work also gained recognition at the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards, where Knowledge Channel was nominated for Best TV Station. Our video lessons, “Puno ng Buhay” and “MathDali” for Grade 1, were nominated for Best Educational Show, while “Wikaharian” was nominated for Best Children’s Show. These accolades fuel our commitment to expanding access to quality education through media and technology.

I am also deeply honored to be one of the recipients of the first Gawad A. Ylagan Eminent Award for Women in Education. I share this recognition with KCFI, whose dedication makes our mission possible, and with the many inspiring women leading advocacies in education.

Our Palarong Pinoy for EcoPlay, a project with UnileverBreeze and with the Department of Education (DepEd) schools division offices of Marikina, Quezon City and Taguig-Pateros, concluded with the remarkable participation of 150,000 students (Grades 4-6), 269 teachers and 543 parents. Through video lessons on traditional Filipino games and community sports events, the project reinforced physical activity, social-emotional learning and resilience—encouraging children to embrace challenges, make mistakes and persevere. Just as clothes can always be washed clean, children can rise after every fall.

As a standing committee member of EDCOM 2’s ECCD subcommittee, I was privileged to witness our advocacy efforts culminate in the launch of the EDCOM 2 Year 2 Report at the Senate and House of Representatives. This report provides critical insights into the state of education and early childhood development (ECD) while calling for continued action to improve learning outcomes.

In February, I had the privilege of cohosting a luncheon roundtable meeting with other members of the Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC). The event gathered influential leaders, including Sen. Win Gatchalian, Rep. Roman Romulo, EDCOM 2 ED Dr. Karol Mark Yee, TESDA Sec. Kiko Benitez and DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara, to discuss challenges in ECD and explore collaborative solutions.

Additionally, I hosted a luncheon with EDCOM 2 ECCD subcommittee members to set priorities for the year, including CDW scholarships to upskill CDWs, construction of new CDCs, and development of educational materials for young children, parents and educators.

KCFI is also an integral part of the National Plan Workshop of EDCOM 2, where we are helping shape the strategic road map for Philippine education. By addressing challenges that fuel the learning crisis, we are laying the groundwork for resilient, innovative policies that will benefit future generations.

It is with great pride that I share the ECCD System Act has been ratified and is now awaiting the president’s signature. This milestone traces back to November 2022 when I hosted a dinner with APC and Sen. Gatchalian, sparking discussions that led to a revision of the Early Years Act of 2013. Over two and a half years of extensive meetings and advocacy, the revised bill— championed by Sen. Gatchalian and Rep. Romulo—has finally come to fruition.

This landmark legislation will ensure universal access to ECCD services for children under five, raise qualifications and salary grades for CDWs and teachers (CDW/Ts), provide scholarships for continuing education of CDWs, and enhance parental involvement by equipping parents, caregivers and community health workers with training on early childhood care.

This act represents a transformative step in securing every child’s right to quality early childhood development.

As we celebrate these milestones, I invite you to support our mission at KCFI. Together, we can—reach more learners, train more teachers and child development workers and deliver highquality educational content.

You can donate through BPI Account No. 0201-0409-14 and send a copy of your deposit slip to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for proper acknowledgment. Together, let’s work toward quality education for every Filipino and future-ready skills for a stronger Philippines.

(Story by:Rina Lopez)

(Photos by:suyin liu lee of apc)