Since 1999, the basic education curriculum has anchored our work at Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. But over the years, evidence from our own practice—and from other organizations—showed us that the roots of learning go much deeper.
But over the years, evidence from our own practice—and from other organizations—showed us that the roots of learning go much deeper.
In 2016, we launched “MathDali,” a comprehensive Grade 4 math intervention with 42 interactive videos and 72 games, paired with teacher training, mentoring and parent sessions. The videos significantly improved learning, but the pilot revealed something sobering: many children still struggled because of gaps in foundational skills in math and reading.
To strengthen the foundation, we created “Basa Bilang” focusing on early language literacy and numeracy in English, Filipino and math for Grades 1-3. “Basa Bilang” helped children at the start of formal schooling, but it also made clear that we had to go even further back—to the earliest years of a child’s life, and to the parents and caregivers who shape those years.
In 2018, the Asia Philanthropy Circle brought to my attention the stark reality: 26.7% of Filipino children under fiveare stunted, and 3.8 million left school due to learning gaps. 5 ways you could be harming your eyes without knowing it Lifelong Wellness By Aizel Maquimot DURING Sight Saving Month in the Philippines, we are reminded that protecting our eyes starts with understanding what can quietly damage them. While most people already know about the dangers of not wearing sunglasses or skipping regular eye exams, there are lesser-known habits that could be putting your vision at risk. Here’s a rundown of five surprising ways you might be harming your eyes without even realizing it. Guilty of any of these? It’s best to start being more mindful of our habits. Remember, small changes I knew then that our focus had to expand to ages 0-8, bringing into view not only children in school but also those not yet in the system.
Policy, advocacy and practice in action
Beginning in 2020, we offered a three-day training program for the adults who shape children’s earliest experiences—child development workers and teachers (CDW/Ts), parents, health workers and other caregivers of 3- 4-year-olds in barangays. Initially called LEEP-ECD and now known as KCare, the program introduces the Nurturing Care Framework and the ECCD Council’s National Early Learning Framework or NELF. It equips caregivers with practical skills and mindsets for nutrition, protection, children’s rights and responsive caregiving—building a community of caring, capable adults around every child. KCare has since been conducted in Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Lobo, Batangas; Pateros, Metro Manila; and other parts of the country, serving as the foundation for our later, more advanced programs.
In July, we proudly launched our six-month upskilling program to professionalize CDW/ Ts—the result of nearly a year of dedicated development and in line with the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act. With a Rotary Foundation global grant (Districts 3830 and 3620; RC Makati Premier District and RC Cheonan Dongho), 49 teachers in Baras, Rizal, are currently enrolled in this certificate program, delivered with the ECCD Council, the UP Department of Family Life and Child Development and the local government unit (LGU) of Baras. On Aug. 18, 2025, we turned over TV sets and hard drives containing video lessons for teachers and learners.
This first-of-its-kind pathway builds on KCare and takes it a step further—bridging short trainings and a bachelor’s degree through coursework, mentoring and multimedia learning. It is set to benefit 3,000+ children annually in Baras alone, and once turned over to the ECCD Council after the pilot, it is poised to transform the quality of early learning for hundreds of thousands more children nationwide.
In May 2025, the president signed Republic Act 12199 (ECCD System Act). I am proud to have played a role in sparking this legislation, beginning with a dinner I hosted for the Asia Philanthropy Circle and Filipino philanthropists where I spoke about ECD. That dinner prompted Sen. Gatchalian to take up research and begin drafting the revised Early Years Act. For the following two years, we worked with government and nongovernment agencies at the Senate to refine the measure.
I am proud of this bill which, though not perfect, is a landmark achievement for children and their caregivers. It represents a critical step up from short-term interventions to systemic reform. Just as KCare laid the groundwork for upskilling, this law builds on years of advocacy and practice to professionalize CDWs, secure their employment by mandating plantilla positions and standard salary grades in LGUs and direct TESDA to provide free training and assessment.
A continuing journey
From “MathDali,” which showed us the gaps in foundational skills, to “Basa Bilang,” which strengthened early literacy and numeracy, to KCare, which trained caregivers, and now to the upskilling program, which professionalizes CDWs, our journey has been one of steadily stepping forward. This progression has culminated in the passage of the ECCD System Act, which elevates ECD into national policy.
But our work does not stop here. We continue to advocate for ECD with policymakers, communities and partners at every level because we believe that every child deserves a strong start in life. Soon, we will be launching a nationwide program on ECD for parents and LGUs to ensure that nurturing care, responsive parenting and strong local governance become the backbone of every child’s early years.
This is how we at KCFI move as one: through policy, advocacy and practice—all to secure the future of our children, their families and our nation.
If you’d like to help strengthen early childhood development with us, please donate to Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. via BPI Account Number 0201-0409-14 and email your deposit slip to [email protected] for recording.
(Story by: Rina Lopez)
