2021 at KCFI: Resilience, Innovation, and Forward Momentum
Written by: Azelle Vargas
In 2021, the Knowledge Channel Foundation continued to push boundaries and innovate in the face of ongoing challenges. Building on the resilience shown in 2020, KCFI and its dedicated partners made significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities for Filipino children. Join us in recognizing the pivotal moments and successes that propelled KCFI's mission forward in 2021.
Security Bank Foundation launched "Ready, Set, Read" with Ateneo and Knowledge Channel
January 12 – Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), partnered with the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. and Ateneo De Manila University to launch the Ready, Set, Read! video series for elementary students. The series, which aired from January 19 to February 19, 2021, aimed to enhance reading skills by focusing on inferring word meanings from context clues in stories. Topics were chosen based on the Department of Education’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) Guide, addressing key competencies crucial for Filipino learners during the pandemic.
Knowledge Channel assists students amidst pandemic challenges
January 21 – Amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic, a collaborative effort has emerged to support teachers, students, and parents. Knowledge Channel Foundation, ABS-CBN, Globe Telecom, and Mary’s Way Foundation have joined forces for the Big Blue Hearts Campaign. This initiative provides essential tools such as internet modems and load to facilitate teaching and learning.
With these resources, students gain access to the Wikaharian series on Knowledge Channel, a program designed to enhance Filipino children's reading skills. Initially introduced in Grade 1 classes across 18 public schools in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, through KCFI’s Basa Bilang project in 2019, Wikaharian has shown positive results in improving student performance in tests.
KCFI and ABS-CBN Foundation Provide Aid to Typhoon-Affected Schools in Rizal with Donations
January 27 – In a gesture of solidarity and support, Knowledge Channel Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya collaborated to provide essential aid to schools in Rodriguez and San Mateo, Rizal. This initiative aimed to assist institutions affected by the typhoons of the previous year. Donations included school bags and printed educational materials courtesy of Diwa Learning Systems Inc. The generosity of numerous donors made this endeavor, dubbed "Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon Para sa Edukasyon," possible.
#KuwentongSchoolatHome Campaign
February 05 – During the inaugural Kuwentong School at Home live event on February 5th, educators from various regions of the country gathered to discuss the impact of Portable Media Libraries (PMLs) provided by Knowledge Channel and "It's Showtime" on their teaching methods. These PMLs, containing over 1,500 learning materials and educational games, were distributed as part of Knowledge Channel's #KuwentongSchoolatHome campaign, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and engagement of distance learning for teachers and students alike.
ATI, Knowledge Channel Launch 'AgriCOOLture' Series
February 17 – ATI and Knowledge Channel partnered for AgriCOOLture videos, aiming to inspire young Filipino students in backyard farming and agriculture-related activities. Seven episodes titled "AgriCOOLture Kasama sina Kuya Edward at Buknoy '' were developed, focusing on urban farming technologies. A virtual focus group discussion engaged 84 Grade 4 students and seven teachers from Concepcion Elementary School in Marikina City. Feedback revealed students' enjoyment and educational value of the videos, while teachers recognized their potential for integration into Science and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan subjects. The AgriCOOLture videos were soon made accessible on Knowledge Channel's platforms.
Knowledge Channel and Gov. Bong Lacson in Revolutionizing Education
February 19 – Knowledge Channel, along with Gov. Bong Lacson, handed over portable media libraries to 33 school districts in Negros Occidental. Furthermore, 75 risograph machines were distributed to aid public schools in managing the substantial printing requirements imposed by the new normal.
Dynamic Training Session Transforms Teaching in Negros Occidental
March 03 – Knowledge Channel recently hosted a technical training session via Google Meet for 1,200 participants from 683 schools in Negros Occidental Division. Conducted from March 3 to 5, 2021, the training focused on familiarizing educators with the Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library (PML). This initiative, sponsored by the Negros Occidental provincial government and the Department of Education, aimed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively utilize the PML's resources.
Exploring Education in Crisis
March 19 – TALAB session, jointly organized by the Kalipunang Sosyolohiya at Antropolohiya (KSA) and Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), delves into the landscape of Philippine basic education in relation to broadcast and digital learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to explore alternative learning methods, addressing the country's evident shortcomings in educational infrastructure. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of Knowledge Channel, a longstanding TV learning institution that has developed and disseminated K-12 curriculum-based video lessons through broadcast and online platforms over the years.
Building Brighter Futures with ECD Virtual Training
March 24 – In Kapalong, Davao, Philippines, the first day of virtual training on Early Childhood Development (ECD) commenced for Child Development Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and parents. This three-day training initiative is organized in collaboration with the ECCD Council, DSWD, and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Addressing Philippine Learning Crisis
April 14 – At the Philippine E-Tech Show 2021, Knowledge Channel Foundation President Rina Lopez urged cable and telecom businesses to tackle the Philippines' learning crisis. Lopez highlighted the country's low ranking in international education tests and emphasized the widening educational gap exacerbated by COVID-19. She called on PCTA members to carry Knowledge Channel and promote it widely, stressing its alignment with the Department of Education's curriculum. Despite challenges, over 750,000 cable households have accessed Knowledge Channel. Lopez appealed to industry leaders to mobilize their networks in addressing the education crisis collectively.
Rina Lopez Debuts 'Knowledge+Beyond'
April 19 – Rina Lopez, serving as both President and Executive Director of Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), introduces a new column titled "Knowledge+Beyond" within the pages of the esteemed Lopez Link Newsletter.
President Rina Lopez Leads Inaugural Teaching Session to Combat Learning Crisis
May 12 – KCFI President Rina Lopez warmly welcomes teachers from Santa Rosa, Laguna, and Marikina to their inaugural Teaching Beginning Readers Session using Video Lessons, facilitated by trainers from the Basa Bilang project of Knowledge Channel. Amid the ongoing pandemic, Lopez assures teachers of KCFI's unwavering support and emphasizes their collective effort in overcoming the learning crisis in the Philippines. She acknowledges the challenges faced by teachers during these trying times and pledges to streamline their work and enhance teaching effectiveness. This marks the beginning of a joint commitment towards resolving the learning crisis nationwide.
‘Knowledge on the Go’ turns one
May 14 – Knowledge Channel celebrates one year of bringing engaging learning experiences to Filipino children through "Knowledge on the Go," now featuring new educational shows on its Facebook page and kumu's SeenZone channel. Livestreaming educational content like "Knowledge on the Go'' commenced in May 2020 to support home-based learning during the pandemic-induced suspension of face-to-face classes.
KCFI's 22nd Anniversary Celebration Sparks Joy with Book Donations
Books by distributing over 600 storybooks to children in Marikina, Santa Rosa, Laguna, as well as in Jordan and Buenavista, Guimaras.
KCVIP Virtual Graduation 2021
September 03 – The Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. hosted its Virtual Graduation Ceremony for the Knowledge Channel Volunteer and Internship Program (KCVIP) 2021, themed "Press Play: Continuing our Mission through Volunteerism".
A Prayerful Tribute to Educators on National Teachers' Month
September 06 – Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, along with their co-stars from the series "He's Into Her," gathered to offer a heartfelt prayer honoring the dedication and hard work of the nation's educators as part of the National Teachers' Month celebrations.
Wikaharian Online World Partnerships Promote Hygiene Amid COVID-19
October 28 – Green Cross Philippines and Lewis & Pearl ScentShop generously provided gift packs for viewers of Wikaharian Online World from July to September. Each week, five participants of Wikaharian Online World received rewards as part of this collaboration, which emphasized the significance of maintaining proper hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collaborative Efforts Amidst Pandemic
May 15 – DepEd awarded KCFI with a plaque, acknowledging its role as a valued partner in enhancing the quality of education in the Philippines, particularly amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Three Years of Excellence as iACADEMY's Outstanding Partner
May 17 – iACADEMY has bestowed the honor of being named one of their Most Outstanding Partners upon KCFI for three consecutive years. KCFI reaffirms its dedication to advancing not only the development of its student interns and volunteers but also to contributing to the nation's growth and development through its service to Filipino children.
Innovative Education Initiative
July 26 – The 2021 LCF CSR Guild Awards has recognized Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.'s initiative "School at Home: Learning Continues with Knowledge Channel in a Time of Crisis" as the Outstanding CSR Project in Education. KCFI's unwavering commitment to supporting educators, students, and parents, and enhancing teaching and learning in the new normal through media and technology under its School at Home (SAH) Campaign has earned this prestigious accolade. KCFI has cultivated and reinforced collaborations with local government units (LGUs), DepEd Regional and Division Offices, private organizations, over 400 cable operators, free TV and satellite-based channel service providers, as well as digital content creators.
Excellence in Education Television
August 14 – In the 2021 Gawad Juan Awards, BiyayaNiJuan honored Knowledge Channel's MathDali as the Best TV Show of the Year for Education, and Robi Domingo as the Best TV Personality of the Year for Education.
For more information on KCFI, visit www.knowledgechannel.org or follow @knowledgechannel on Facebook, @kchonline on X, and @knowledgechannelofficial on TikTok. Help us reach and teach more! Donate to KCFI today through BPI Acct. No. 0201-0409-14, and kindly email a copy of your deposit slip to info@knowledgechannel.org for recording purposes.