KCFI president Rina Lopez and keynote speaker Charo Santos-Concio impart words of wisdom to the KCVIP participants, led by outstanding intern Avigale Quilinguin“Every person we meet, every new idea, every new challenge presents an opportunity for us to learn and contribute… I find nothing more inspiring than being with people who, in their own little ways, want to make a difference in the world.”

These were the words of media executive and TV host/ actress Charo Santos-Concio as she shared a keynote message to almost 70 college students and volunteers who were recognized for their contribution in supporting the education sector through the Knowledge Channel Volunteer and Internship Program (KCVIP).

In a graduation ceremony held via Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook, students and volunteers gathered virtually to celebrate this milestone.

Themed “Press Play,” the event highlighted the importance of continuing to be of service to fellow Filipinos amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘We will not pause’

Last year, face-to-face classes were suspended in response to the health crisis, forcing the education sector to pivot to alternative methods like online and modular learning. The interns were commended for their fortitude and support for Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) despite the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.

In a recorded message from KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez, she expressed her gratitude and admiration for the intern graduates.

“Despite all these changes, our passion for learning and commitment to service remain. Our pre-pandemic lives may be on pause, our plans on hold, but when it comes to helping our fellow Filipinos, we cannot and will not pause,” Lopez emphasized.

Over 10 KCVIP partner schools were lauded for their partnership with KCFI.

iAcademy president Vanessa Tanco, who represented the partner schools, communicated her gratitude to KCFI in a video message and underscored the alignment of values when it comes to education.

Outstanding intern

“Congratulations to the Knowledge Channel for the valuable work that you’re doing for the underprivileged Filipino children. We also believe that education is the key to reducing poverty and that in this lifetime all Filipino students should have access to quality, inclusive and relevant education,” Tanco said.

Avigale Quilinguin of the University of Asia and the Pacific was named as the KCVIP batch’s outstanding intern for 2020-2021. Quilinguin did research work under the monitoring and evaluation department spearheaded by Liezl Vinluan.

In her speech, Quilinguin stressed the importance of making a difference through internships and volunteerism.

“Through the philanthropic act of volunteerism, you are able to contribute to the improvement of distance learning and help uplift the quality of Philippine education; through selfless acts of service, you help young minds open their avenues to brighter tomorrows; through the simple gesture of lending a hand, you give these children the opportunity to learn—an opportunity that is rightfully theirs,” she said.