Knowledge Channel Foundation Joins Public Sector and Philanthropy Leaders in Strengthening Early Childhood Development in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines – In a significant step toward advancing Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in the country, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) joined key government leaders and philanthropic organizations in a roundtable dialogue to align efforts and explore collaborative solutions for improving early childhood care and education in the Philippines. 

The event brought together high-level public sector officials and philanthropic leaders to discuss how public-private partnerships can drive sustainable and better-funded ECCD programs. The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen early childhood development initiatives such as by building local government capacity, and to explore various funding sources to support such programs. 

Among the key officials present were: Amaya Aboitiz (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.), Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara (DepEd), Dr Jose Francisco Benitez (TESDA), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Asec Farwa M. Hombre (DOH), Dr Teresita Inciong (ECCD Council), Tony Lambino (Ayala Foundation, Inc.), Rina Lopez (Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.), Usec Dr Mary Ann Maestral (DOH), Austere Panadero (Zuellig Family Foundation), Congressman Roman Romulo, Carol Tan (Asia Philanthropy Circle), Tan Yanru (QAI), Dr Karol Mark Yee (EDCOM2) and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, (Ayala Foundation, Inc.). 

Participants also underscored the importance of enhancing coordination among government agencies overseeing early childhood services and improving localized data collection and analysis to inform effective ECD policies. Additionally, alternative models of early childhood care were explored as potential solutions to address gaps in child development services. 

As a standing committee member for ECCD in EDCOM 2 (The Second Congressional Commission for Education) and President of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Rina Lopez reaffirmed KCFI’s commitment to policy development and strategic initiatives that enhance early learning experiences across the country. She also emphasized the importance of engaging local chief executives as champions of early childhood development, ensuring that policies and programs are effectively implemented at the community level. 

ECD Philippines Collaborative 

Another highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), and the Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC). 

(L-R): The MOA was signed by Carol Tan (Asia Philanthropy Circle), Fernando Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Foundation, Inc.), Rina Lopez (Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.), Amaya Aboitiz (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.), and Austere Panadero (Zuellig Family Foundation)

This agreement formalizes a shared commitment to advancing ECD programs nationwide, focusing on leveraging expertise, pooling resources, and strengthening support for government-led initiatives that improve the lives of young learners.  

With the ECCD System Act now ratified, leaders at the roundtable emphasized the need to fully realize its potential by empowering local government units (LGUs), ensuring sustainable funding streams, and improving workforce training. 

Moving forward, KCFI—together with APC, EDCOM2, the Department of Education, TESDA, the ECCD Council, the Department of Health, and other government and philanthropic institutions—will continue developing and expanding innovative, evidence-based early childhood development programs. These efforts aim to ensure that Filipino children, especially those in underserved communities, receive quality development and learning experiences from their earliest years.