OUR STORY
The Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization established in 1999. Its mission is to be responsible stewards and co-creators of transformative learning experiences through media and technology in the service of the Filipino children.
KCFI has been at the forefront of helping improve education and learning outcomes in K-12. Through relevant and engaging multimedia learning resources and professional development of educators, KCFI helps create a solid educational foundation for early reading, numeracy and oracy – critical factors in a child’s educational development It is the first and only TV, online and offline media tandem primarily focused on the Philippines’ basic education curriculum.
REACHING MORE. TEACHING MORE.
MISSION
Responsible stewards and co-creators of transformative learning experiences especially in the service of the poor and marginalized Filipino children and communities.
VISION
Happier and holistically developed Filipinos, proactively making the world a better place.
CORE VALUES
Social Justice
Passion to Serve
Commitment to Holistic Learning
Integrity
Nationalism
HOW TWO VISIONARY LEADERS TRANSFORMED FILIPINO EDUCATION THROUGH TELEVISION
25 years ago, two young idealistic executives envisioned a world where all walks of life can have access to quality education. Coming from SkyCable, Ms. Rina Lopez and Mr. Carlo Katigbak started an idea to improve the lives of Filipinos through education, particularly education through television, in the Philippine classrooms. They set out to democratize education in the country through television.
Founded on June 14, 1999, the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) was initially operated under the name "Sky Foundation Inc."
25 years of history
1999
In 1999, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) was established as "Sky Foundation Inc." The channel introduced its mission to DepEd NCR in July, conducted its first teacher training in September, and aired its first broadcast on Sky Cable in November, reaching 300 public schools in NCR.
2000
In 2000, Knowledge Channel signed a 10-year partnership with the Department of Education, making the channel required viewing for all public schools. In August, KCFI held its first Cable Installation Rites at Rizal High School with the theme "Bringing the Classroom Into the 21st Century: Knowledge Channel."
2001
In 2001, Knowledge Channel launched its first original series, "Kasaysayan TV" and "Pamana," and uplinked to Intelsat 8. On March 29, KCFI partnered with the Philippine Cable Television Association, Inc., and provided educational resources to partner schools, including a turnover event with Citibank and Makati Elementary School.
2002
In 2002, Knowledge Channel renewed its partnership with the Philippine Cable Television Association, extending cable broadcast access to more provincial areas and conducting orientation sessions for principals in those regions. By this time, KCh had installed cable in 1,200 public schools nationwide since its inception.
2003
In 2003, Sky Foundation officially became Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and partnered with 100 cable TV operators nationwide. At that time, over 1,200 public schools, serving 2.2 million students, were benefiting from Knowledge Channel, with 70% of the students in elementary schools and 30% in secondary schools.
2004
In 2004, the Global Philanthropist Circle visited Knowledge Channel schools during a Learning Journey from February 24 to March 3. On March 31, KCFI raised P2.5 million through the "Text Mo, Pangarap Ko" SMS campaign to connect five schools. On October 10, the "Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko" walk-for-a-cause in Manila attracted 8,000 participants, raising P5.845 million for KCFI.
2005
In 2005, KCFI launched the Television Education for the Advancement of Muslim Mindanao project and introduced its long-running news bulletin, "Knowledge Now." The organization held "Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko 2: Nationwide Na ‘To!" with over 8,000 participants in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, and began production of the shows "Salam" and "Negosyo ko Asenso Ko."
2006
In 2006, Knowledge Channel was installed in a total of 1,600 schools from Itbayat to Sitangkai. KCFI continued its partnership with USAID for the second year of TEAM Mindanao in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, and shared the Gift of Knowledge initiative with 10 partner public schools in Rizal Province through the STEPS Project in collaboration with the British Embassy in Manila.
2007
In 2007, KCFI launched "Salam," a peace education mini-series in response to Executive Order No. 570, and "Negosyo Ko, Asenso Ko," aimed at teaching business skills to out-of-school youths. Knowledge Channel also began airing ABS-CBN’s "Kumikitang Kabuhayan" to help viewers find ways to increase income amidst inflation. Additionally, ABS-CBN Foundation’s "Art Jam" and "Sining at Lipunan (SiLip)" series were broadcast on the channel.
2008
In 2008, Knowledge Channel launched the "BE THE BEST YOU, Kayang-kaya mo!" campaign. Former US President Clinton recognized KCFI as a pioneering distance learning program. KCFI honored U.S. teacher Ana Balboa and produced the financial literacy series "Estudyantipid" with Citigroup Foundation. The channel also shifted to digital and multimedia platforms for video storage.
2009
In 2009, Knowledge Channel launched "K-High," combining live actors and animation. KCFI introduced multimedia educational content and held its first Stakeholders' Awards (KOSA). The "Take a Step" campaign marked its 10th anniversary, aiming to improve public education through TV and technology, while also supporting students' preparation for the National Achievement Test (NAT).
2010
In 2010, Knowledge Channel launched "OMLALI" to support out-of-school youth and released its theme song "May K Ako." Rina Lopez hosted the "RLB Hour," and Knowledge Channel contributed the "Teaching" segment to DZMM's TLC program. Rina Lopez also facilitated a meeting between President Aquino and international civil society leaders.
2011
In 2011, Knowledge Channel transitioned to 100% locally produced content and distributed printed channel guides to schools. It introduced "KCh On-Demand" for ALS, airing new episodes of "K-High." KCh also initiated discussions with DSWD and CWC on health education for daycare and developed "Expert Teachers On Air" (ETOA) to improve high school academic performance and support teacher development.
2012
In 2012, Knowledge Channel launched "On-Demand Packages" and the Superintendents Leadership Program (SLP), producing over 150 multimedia learning resources. It awarded 100 KCh LITE packages to ALS supervisors and introduced new shows, including "Puno ng Buhay" on environmental conservation and "Agham Aralin" with Citigroup Foundation, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Makisig Morales.
2013
In 2013, Knowledge Channel implemented the "Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies" (LEEP) program in 600 schools, starting in Butuan, Guimaras, and Mindoro Occidental. It partnered with Tuldok Animation Studios to promote animation among Filipino viewers. New shows launched included the third season of "K-High" with SunLife Foundation, "Kuwentong Kartero" with PCPD, "Agos" with Manila Water Foundation, and "SALAM HS" in partnership with USAID.
2014
In 2014, Knowledge Channel launched new educational games on KCh Online, including "Mga Pambansang Bayani" and "Welcome to Water Town Game." The official launch of the "Learning Effectively through Enhanced Pedagogies" (LEEP) program took place at DepEd headquarters. New shows introduced included "Pamilya Masigasig," "Carlos’ Blog," "Kwentong Kartero," "Kuwentong Pambata," "Payong K-lusugan," and "Hugas Sayaw."
2015
In 2015, Knowledge Channel launched LEEP Psychological First Aid with the Psychological Association of the Philippines, joined the technical working group for the National Teacher's Day law, and began developing MathDali for early grade financial literacy. New shows included Season 2 of "Puno ng Buhay" and "K-High: Math Matters."
2016
In 2016, Knowledge Channel launched several programs, including "MathDali," "Agricoolture" hosted by Enchong Dee, and "Psychological First Aid: Mental Wellness for Educators." Additionally, they initiated "100 for 100," an outreach program aimed at providing modern K-12 curriculum-based teaching tools to 100 schools across the country.
2017
In 2017, the Knowledge Channel launched the Knowledge Channel Internship Program (KCIP), enrolling over 70 interns. They introduced "Knowledge Channel On the Go," a trivia game featuring Marlo Mortel that engaged students in NCR schools. The channel also produced "Science Says," hosted by scientist Reina Reyes, and reestablished access to schools in Batanes, Palawan, and other regions through the Sky Direct initiative.
2018
In 2018, Knowledge Channel aired student documentaries and launched several new shows, including "Payong K-Lusugan" focused on rabies awareness, "Science Says" with Reina Reyes, and "AgriCOOLture" hosted by Enchong Dee. "Wow," "MathDali," and "Agricoolture" earned the Anak TV Seal Award, and the official music video for "May K Ako" was released.
2019
In 2019, Knowledge Channel launched "Wikaharian" to promote reading among children, introduced Knowledge TV at the DepEd CyberExpo, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary by recognizing 168 student interns. KCFI also developed "Basa Bilang" for early literacy and numeracy and launched "Kwentong Pambata: Si Bino, Si Buboy at si Bantay."
2020
In 2020, Knowledge Channel launched the "EduKalidad sa Kalamidad" program for students affected by the Taal Volcano eruption and the "Stay at Home, Learn at Home" campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. They introduced Knowledge TV for Early Childhood Development and transitioned the Knowledge Channel Virtual Internship Program to include international partnerships while adapting LEEP to an online format called KCTINN.
2021
In 2021, Knowledge Channel launched the "Tulong-tulong sa pag-ahon para sa edukasyon" initiative and the Big Blue Hearts Campaign in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. They celebrated National Teachers Month in September and introduced the "SCHOOL AT HOME" campaign, building on the previous year's efforts. Additionally, the Knowledge Channel Volunteer and Internship Program held its first virtual graduation due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2022
In 2022, Knowledge Channel launched on CIGNAL Channel 146, reaching 2 million subscribers and offering 1,500 video lessons for distance learning. Notable initiatives included the "School Anywhere" campaign with the "TalkED: Early Childhood Series," transitioning EcoProject activities to in-person, and collaborations on environmental projects with the Forest Foundation and children's mental health initiatives with the Early Childhood Care and Development Council.
2023
In 2023, KCFI launched the “I Love You 1000” series, featuring 16 videos on nutrition and early childhood care. They introduced Tropang K!-Likasan for waste management in Grades 4-5, partnered with CEMEX Philippines Foundation, and Lakbay Aral, an environmental program for 3- to 8-year-olds in collaboration with Save the Children. Additionally, they aired “Health TB: Aksyon Kalusugan,” hosted by Mutya Orquia, and five new episodes of “MathDali” for Grade 1, hosted by Robi Domingo.
2024
In 2024, the Knowledge Channel Foundation partnered with CEMEX Philippines Foundation to launch Tropang K!Likasan at San Antonio Village Elementary School in Antipolo City. Banate IP School received a Knowledge Channel TV package, donated by BPI Foundation, Inc., which thrilled teachers and students alike. The package included a Portable Media Library with over 1,500 curriculum-based video lessons, a 43” smart TV with a built-in Knowledge Channel app, and in-person and virtual technical training for teachers to effectively utilize these resources.
