KCFI's 2020: Triumphs Amidst Adversity
Written by: Azelle Vargas
2020 is a year of Resilience for the Knowledge Channel Foundation. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KCFI and its dedicated partners forged ahead, turning obstacles into avenues for enhancing education for Filipino children. Let's commemorate the milestones and triumphs that defined KCFI's impactful journey in 2020.
KCFI's ‘School at Home’ Project Supports Learning During COVID-19
2020 – as the pandemic forced children to stay home, KCFI's "School at Home Project" stepped in, providing educational shows covering subjects like Math, Science, Filipino, English, Araling Panlipunan, Values, Arts, and Physical Education. These videos, aligned with the Department of Education's guidelines, complemented self-learning modules and DepEd TV broadcasts, ensuring continuity in education. Despite challenges like legal disputes affecting millions of households, KCFI remained steadfast in supporting teachers, students, and parents, leveraging media and technology to enhance learning in the new normal.
DepEd solidifies a new partnership with the Knowledge Channel Foundation
February 18 – DepEd and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement to enhance education quality in the Philippines. Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the Sulong EduKalidad program.
Supporting Talaibon Elementary School Through Taal Eruption Fallout
February 28 – In a heartwarming act of generosity, a Knowledge Champion, "Kabayan" Noli de Castro, alongside KCFI, donated a Gift of Knowledge Package to Talaibon Elementary School in Ibaan, Batangas. This donation will support over 600 learners, including 200 children affected by the Taal eruption.
Knowledge Channel's Emergency Education Programming Facilitates Learning During Crises
January 24 – Knowledge Channel's Emergency Education Programming (KCEEP) provides students and teachers with the opportunity to keep up with lessons through curriculum-based programs aired on the channel. Forming part of the EduKalidad sa Kalamidad emergency education initiative, KCEEP was introduced during the Taal Volcano eruption. The program's objectives include delivering KnowledgeTV content, training educators in utilizing Knowledge Channel educational videos during crises, and organizing psychological first aid workshops.
DepEd Stresses Continuous Education as KCFI Sustains Support Amid COVID-19
March 24 – Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) underscores the importance of continuous education. Secretary Briones emphasizes the need for government functions, including education, to persist. To support DepEd, Knowledge Channel Foundation (KCFI) continues its EduKalidad sa Kalamidad program, adjusting educational shows to meet learners' current needs. Families in select areas can access Knowledge Channel on various platforms. KCFI President Rina Lopez Bautista encourages students to "Stay at Home, Learn at Home." Secretary Briones affirms the continuation of the Sulong EduKalidad program, acknowledging the challenge of balancing ongoing initiatives with immediate needs.
KCFI Offers Virtual Internship Opportunities for Students
April 27 – Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) continued its commitment to providing internship opportunities for students while contributing to education in the country.
Senior high school and college students are encouraged to participate in the Knowledge Channel Volunteer and Internship Program (KCVIP) through a "virtual internship" setup. This arrangement allows interns to gain valuable work experience without leaving their homes during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). KCVIP, an award-winning program, offers interns more than just collecting work hours and experience. They have the chance to learn from industry leaders and experts while engaging in meaningful projects that benefit Filipino children's education.
KCF Joins DepEd Initiatives for Education Support
June 10 – Knowledge Channel Foundation extended its support to teachers, parents, and learners by joining DepEd Philippines' 2020 Oplan Balik Eskwela and Brigada Eskwela initiatives. Knowledge Channel is committed to providing curriculum-based video lessons for distance and blended learning plans through TV, online platforms, and the Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library.
KCVIP Presses On Through Pandemic Challenges with Colored Glitches
July 22 – 331 interns and volunteers from 21 colleges and universities joined the Foundation's Internship Program. They aimed to enhance skills in animation, graphic design, research, game development, IT, web application, and marketing, all with the goal of benefiting Filipino children.
ABS-CBN's Affiliate Expands Knowledge Channel Reach for Distance Learning
August 13 – ABS-CBN's subsidiary, Creative Programs Inc. (CPI), embarked on a partnership with regional cable operators to broadcast Knowledge Channel for TV-based learning amid the shift to distance education in the Philippines. In collaboration with the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA), CPI hosts virtual roadshows to empower cable operators to air Knowledge Channel's educational content. With nearly two million households nationwide, Knowledge Channel aligns its curriculum-based videos with DepEd's Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) for School Year 2020 to 2021. This initiative aims to support Filipino students during the pandemic, with representatives from local DepEd divisions also participating in the events to provide updates for the upcoming school year.
KCFI and Rotary District 3830 Launch Teachers Month with New Normal Training for Educators
July 23 to August 01 – In observance of National Teachers Month, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and six Rotary Clubs from District 3830 conducted training for over a hundred teachers and principals. This partnership introduced an upgraded version of KCFI's flagship teacher training program, now called Knowledge Channel: Teaching in the New Normal (KCTINN), which has transitioned fully online due to the pandemic. With support from Rotary Clubs, nine beneficiary schools were instructed on implementing dynamic strategies to engage learners as education prepares for the upcoming school year.
KCFI Hosts Free Webinar on Enhancing Distance Learning with Knowledge Channel
September 16 – KCFI's inaugural "School at Home" webinar took place on "Making Distance Learning Effective Through Knowledge Channel’s Learning Ecosystem" on September 16 and 17 at 10 AM via the Facebook Live platform of Knowledge Channel Foundation. The webinar was presented by Mr. Edric Calma, Director for Operations at Knowledge Channel. This two-part webinar was provided at no cost, and attendees who participated on both days received an e-certificate from Knowledge Channel Foundation.
Virtual Roadshow Highlights Cable Education Advocacy
September 18 – A Virtual Roadshow titled "Educating Through Cable in the Time of Covid" was organized by Creative Programs, Inc. in collaboration with Knowledge Channel and supported by the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc. (PCTA). This event, featuring speakers from Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. and the Department of Education Region 9, aimed to encourage cable TV operators to partner with local DepEd offices and broadcast Knowledge Channel to facilitate distance learning via television, aligning with the newly adopted Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan.
KCFI and PCTA reaffirm commitment to aid learners during the pandemic
October 15 – KCFI and PCTA have signed a new agreement to support more students studying from home during distance learning. This partnership aims to expand Knowledge Channel's reach to more cable-connected homes nationwide, particularly in remote areas with limited internet access.
Before the ABS-CBN franchise denial in July 2020, Knowledge Channel reached over 7 million households through platforms like ABS-CBN TVplus, SKYdirect, SKY, and various cable service providers. During the early termination of classes in March, it aired curriculum-based video lessons as part of the Stay at Home, Learn at Home program, helping students keep up with their studies during the enhanced community quarantine. However, following the franchise denial, Knowledge Channel's reach decreased to 1.8 million households.
Knowledge Channel's Program for Teachers and Parents
November 06 – Knowledge Channel introduces "Parent-Teacher Activity Time," a program aimed at offering guidance for distance learning to both teachers and parents amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Extends Reach to SatLite TV Channel 182 for Enhanced Access
November 20 – Knowledge Channel has expanded its reach to SatLite TV Channel 182, providing viewers with access to its educational programming.
A2Z Launches Digital Broadcast Featuring Knowledge Channel's School at Home Program
November 12 – A2Z is now available for digital broadcast, offering the School at Home program featuring Knowledge Channel's educational video lessons. Viewers can tune in to A2Z on their digital TV boxes, including ABS-CBN TV Plus, from Monday to Friday, airing from 7am to 9am.
NCCA and Knowledge Channel Launch Wikaharian to Promote Filipino Culture
December 15 – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in collaboration with the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc., introduces Wikaharian, an animated series designed to cultivate a deeper understanding, admiration, and sense of identity in young learners by incorporating Filipino traditions, beliefs, and values into Grade 1 education. Hosted by teacher Michelle Agas and the Quezon City Public Library Puppeteers, Wikaharian will be accessible through Knowledge Channel and its multiple platforms.
Knowledge Channel Programs Recognized for Stay-at-Home Learning Initiative
December 21 – Knowledge Channel and educational programs Hiraya Manawari, Sineskwela, Mathinik, and ABS-CBN Foundation's G-Diaries received special recognition at the 18th Gawad Tanglaw Awards. These shows are broadcasted on Knowledge Channel and Kapamilya Channel as part of the "Stay at Home, Learn at Home" Campaign, aiding Filipino children in continuing their education during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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.