POWERING THE FUTURE TOGETHER: DOE, KCFI launch Siklo ng Enerhiya 2023
by Ma. Nichelle Dela Paz | Photos by Ma. Nichelle Dela Paz & Joanna Rachelle Songco
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) successfully launched Siklo ng Enerhiya 2023 at the DOE Multi-Purpose Gymnasium last September 7.
Students and teachers from different Taguig City and Pateros (TAPAT) public schools joined the launch, as well as officials from the DOE and KCFI, including Undersecretary Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella; Former DOE Secretary Zenaida Monsada; Dir. Patrick Aquino, CESO III, Chairperson of the DOE’s Gender and Development Technical Working Group; Ms. Rina Lopez, KCFI President and Executive Director; and, Mr. Edric Calma, KCFI Vice President and Director of Operations.
During the program, Usec. Wimpy shared that he hopes the program can inspire the younger generation to answer to the call of becoming future scientists and engineers, regardless of their gender. He also advocated for being more proactive in conserving energy as the world continues to face worsening natural disasters due to human activities.
Ms. Lopez urged everyone to conserve energy as well, asking the audience to “see the bigger picture” that not every Filipino home enjoys constant and consistent access to electricity, especially in remote and provincial areas. She added that “you are not just girls, you are empowered women,” encouraging female students to pursue the careers they want, even in traditionally, male-dominated fields.
After a screening of the new Siklo ng Enerhiya episodes which she was featured on, Former Sec. Monsada emphasized the importance of education in energy conservation during her inspirational message, saying that it is only through information and education that the country can commit to sustainability.
Dir. Aquino and Ms. Rhea Lyn Irah L. Quimado, Senior Research Science Specialist from the DOE’s Consumer and Welfare Promotion Office also shared messages, giving the audience more information and context about the program. Student and teacher representatives from the TAPAT public schools shared their thoughts and reflections as well, following the Siklo ng Enerhiya 2023 screening.
Mr. Calma formally closed the program, expressing his hope that the Knowledge Channel Foundation can continously partner with the DOE in championing Philippine education through creating more transformative, multimedia learning materials like Siklo ng Enerhiya.
Siklo ng Enerhiya aims to teach learners about energy and the science behind it, the Department of Energy’s role in energy distribution, and why we should have a more inclusive and diverse energy sector. Catch Siklo ng Enerhiya every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 3:40 – 4:00 pm, during the Grade 8 Science block on the Knowledge Channel.