The Christmas season is always a time for reflection and gratitude. It is the season of giving—when we open our hearts to our families, friends and communities.
But as we wrap gifts and share meals, I am reminded that the most enduring gifts we can give are not material things, but opportunities—specifically, the opportunity for a child to dream, learn and thrive.
At the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), the spirit of giving is alive all year round. In 2025, we poured our energy into a gift that will last a lifetime: a strong foundation for our youngest learners.
We have long known that the early years (ages 0 to 8) are critical. This is when the brain develops most rapidly, and when nurturing care, language and values shape a child’s lifelong outcomes. That is why I am grateful that our advocacy for early childhood care and development (ECCD) continues to gain ground.
A major milestone this year was the signing of Republic Act 12199, the ECCD System Act, on May 8, 2025. This law strengthens the ECCD system for children in the early years and supports professionalization and stronger implementation on the ground—especially through clearer support for early childhood workers and how local systems deliver quality ECCD services.
This year, we continued the “Kayang-Kaya Para sa Bata: Certificate Program for the Upskilling of Child Development Workers (CDWs)” in Baras, Rizal. Over six months, 49 CDWs went through guided learning sessions and mentoring to build practical competencies for early childhood care and learning to help them prepare for TESDA NC III assessment. Importantly, the program included training and mentoring, supported by 10 companion video episodes that reinforced key concepts and practice (not the other way around).
We extended support for CDWs through K Care in Taytay, Rizal, where we trained 47 CDWs in a three-day program that enhanced their ability to support children’s holistic development—cognitive, socioemotional, physical and values formation.
In basic education, we continued our LEEP-Reading training, reaching 160 participants across 20 schools in Las Piñas and Misamis Oriental.
We embraced the digital space to reach more educators. Our online conferences on math and reading provided professional development opportunities to thousands of teachers and offered continuing professional development points. Meanwhile, our ECCD conference held last November focused on an urgent concern for every family and community today: child safety and protection, including protection against online abuse.
Alongside training, we continued to produce learning content that supports joyful, meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning.
In 2025, KCFI produced 159 new learning materials—research-informed, curriculum-aligned and designed to strengthen both foundational skills and life skills. These included new episodes across early learning and K-12 topics, such as “Musikantahan,” “Kinder Yes!” and “Ready, Set, Read!” for Grades 2 and 3, as well as learning series that support health, financial literacy, agriculture, energy and STEAM. We worked with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts on 10 learning modules on “Filipino Values for the Common Good.”
Of course, learning resources only matter if they are accessible—notably for communities with limited connectivity.
This year, we strengthened offline learning access by deploying 87 Knowledge Channel TVs (KC TVs) and 164 Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries (KC PMLs) to schools and communities, helping more learners access quality content even without reliable internet.
We strengthened our partnerships to reach more children at scale. We sealed a strategic collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Solar Pictures to strengthen learning delivery through DepEd TV—expanding the reach of curriculum-aligned educational programming and supporting continuity of learning, particularly during disruptions.
As we close the year, I am filled with gratitude. Each achievement—big or small—was made possible by people and institutions who share our unwavering belief in the power of education.
This reflection feels even more special as we celebrated our 25th anniversary with our partners in the Lopez companies and in the private sector—partners who have walked with us through challenges, transitions and triumphs. Their support empowers us to continue giving the gift of education to communities across the country. Because of them—and because of supporters like you—we are able to sustain, grow and deepen our mission.
And so, as we return to the spirit of Christmas, I am reminded that giving is a collective act.
We also hold in our hearts our kababayan who were severely affected by recent calamities. In November, we launched “Balik Aral, Balik Pag-asa,” a relief and education continuity campaign that aims to restore hope and support learning even in times of crisis. We chose Bogo City, Cebu, as beneficiaries of KC PML units and school kits for children in evacuation centers.
Our next steps
As we enter a new year, we are doubling down on what children need most: Stronger foundations in early learning and reading for children and the adults who guide them; deeper support for CDWs and teachers through sustained training, coaching and pathways to professionalization; and wider access—especially offline—so learning can reach communities where connectivity remains a barrier.
This Christmas, I invite you to join us once more. Your generosity fuels the production of more learning materials, the training of more educators and CDWs and the reach of more children who deserve a real chance to learn. You may donate through BPI Acct. No. 0201-0409-14 or scan the QR code on this page. Please send your proof of deposit to info@ knowledgechannel.org so we may acknowledge your support.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat, mga Kapamilya!
(Story By: Rina Lopez)
