KCFI, SKY Bring Early Christmas to Antipolo School Kids and Teachers
Knowledge Channel Foundation and SKY have partnered once again this Christmas Season to bring learning and happiness to the children and teachers of Sumilang Elementary School in Antipolo, Rizal. Located at the outskirts of the city, it has a population of 960 pupils, most of whom have been relocated to Antipolo after Typhoon Ondoy.
Angelo, a fifth grade pupil, is one of those kids who have been relocated. “Kaya po kami napunta dito yung mama ko po kasi namatay [noong Typhoon] Ondoy tapos, binenta lahat ng gamit namin para mapalibing yung nanay namin. Nagpalipat-lipat kami ng bahay,” he said. Other children in the school also had a similar experience and has since adjusted to their new location and school.
Even the teachers have witnessed the sudden spur of enrollment in recent years. Initially, it was not equipped to accommodate a huge amount of learners. Some teachers had to adjust by building makeshift classrooms using recycled materials and with the help of parents and other community members. These spaces however were not conducive for learning. “Sobrang init,”shared one teacher. “Kapag umuulan naman, may pagakakataon na natutuluan kami.”
Today, a new building is being constructed with the support of the LGU thanks to a story aired by TV Patrol. As an addition to the soon to be completed building, Knowledge Channel and SKY handed over a “Gift of Knowledge” package to the pupils and teachers of Sumilang ES. The event was graced by SKY President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Antonio S. Ventosa, KCFI Access and Community Engagement Head Doris Nuval, TV Patrol reporters Zen Hernandez, Dianne Castillejo, and news anchor Bernadette Sembrano.
LOOK: Photos from the KCFI and SKY event at Sumilang ES, Antipolo
“Ang SKY direct ay isang satellite dish [kung saan napapanood niyo] ang mga programa tulad ng news, information at syempre tulad ng learning programs na iyong napapanood sa Knowledge Channel,” said Ventosa in his opening remarks. “Ang aming promise sa SKY, simple lang po: habang lumalago po ang negosyo namin, itutuloy po namin ang aming way of public service through SKY direct, SKY cable at Knowledge Channel.”
The festive occasion included games, activities, storytelling sessions for kids and seminars for parents prepared by SKY and KCFI. Food and ice cream also brought big smiles to the kids. As a bonus gift, sports reporter Dianne Castillejo brought in a sack of brand new sporting goods for the school.
KCFI President Rina Lopez Bautista and TV Patrol Anchor Bernadette Sembrano also did storytelling sessions with kids using Knowledge Channel’s Kuwentong Pambata – an animated series based on the storybooks from Adarna Publishing House. These demonstrated how teachers can utilize Knowledge Channel for learning in school. “Sana po ay gamitin niyo po ang Knowledge Channel for the purpose it was meant for. Di na bale ho na masira yung TV sa kagagamit,” said Doris Nuval, Access and Community Engagement Head of KCFI.