Beyond 25: KCFI’s Journey in Strengthening Filipino Education in 2025
by: Irish Maica Roque
For over 26 years, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.’s (KCFI) commitment to excellence has resonated nationwide. In its 26th year, this 2025, the foundation made numerous impactful initiatives that are transforming the educational landscape and learning condition in the Philippines, especially for the country’s youngest learners. This year alone, KCFI produced 159 educational materials, expanding access to quality education nationwide. On top of this, KCFI has built new connections that promote fresh learning opportunities and advocacies for Filipino children. Here is a closer look at the initiatives and achievements that made KCFI’s 2025 journey both meaningful and transformative.
ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Expanding Access to Quality Education
Known for its high-quality education programs, KCFI continued to produce new episodes and shows for young learners in 2025. Twenty-five (25) new episodes of Wikaharian for Grade 2 were launched at Oranbo Elementary School; a new episode of WOW premiered during Kidapawan City’s World Tourism Month Celebration; and ten (10) new episodes of AgriKids were launched at the Agrikids Training Program Graduation. KCFI also introduced a new show entitled Gen H: Generation Healthy, in partnership with AIA Philippines. The show was publicized at Naga Central School II and was graced by Former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.
Nurturing the Champions of Education
KCFI believes that providing quality education requires nurturing the educators themselves. To support this, two online training series were offered in partnership with City Savings Bank: WATCH. LEARN. TEACH. and Your Knowledge Matters. KCFI also launched the Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata! program, which engaged 39 Child Development Workers and Teachers (CDW/Ts) in Baras, Rizal. Each participant also received a Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library (PML).
The Gurong May K: Best Teachers of Knowledge Channel Awards honored exceptional K-12 teachers and CDW/Ts who maximized KCFI’s educational materials and employed 21st-century teaching strategies to make learning more inspiring and engaging. Winners received ₱50,000 in cash, a Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) package for their school, a trophy, and a certificate.
Promoting the Filipino Identity
In partnership with Unilever Breeze Philippines, KCFI concluded the first-ever EcoPlay Palarong Pinoy for the academic year 2024–2025. The event was attended by nearly 150,000 learners, teachers, and parents from Marikina City, Quezon City, and Taguig-Pateros. This collaboration also introduced the Breeze LarOlympics, which engaged Grade 4–6 learners from Quezon City, Marikina City, Cebu City, and Davao City. Both initiatives aimed to integrate traditional Filipino games to nurture learners’ resilience while promoting playful and meaningful learning experiences.
Addressing ECD Concerns
As a proud member of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), KCFI participated in two sessions highlighting the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) in both corporate and educational settings. LCF also launched the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, providing a platform for corporate leaders to share innovative ideas for sustainable growth. Following this, KCFI conducted a Brown Bag Session and Committee Meeting to discuss strategies for supporting basic education teachers and CDW/Ts.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Continuing Successful Collaborations
KCFI participated as one of the jurors in Anak TV’s 5th Sinebata Festival, recognizing outstanding works created by and for children. This collaboration promotes responsible, child-sensitive, and family-friendly media, emphasizing that Filipino youth can excel in the media field when encouraged and supported.
Collaborations with the Government
The partnership between NCCT and KCFI was strengthened with the joint production of a new video lesson titled Kinder Yes!. This project was made possible through NCCT’s funding and KCFI’s expertise in education and multimedia production. Kinder Yes! features lessons aligned with the country’s Kindergarten curriculum.
With its commitment to supporting the Department of Education (DepEd) in providing more accessible quality education to young learners, their teachers, and their families, KCFI partnered with DepEd and Solar Learning to soft-launch DepEd TV. This collaboration aims to air DepEd TV content aligned with the country’s educational curriculum through KCFI’s on-air, online, and offline platforms, supported by Solar Learning’s broadcast infrastructure. KCFI also reinforced its partnerships with other key national education agencies, including the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Newly Built Partnerships
The first new partnership of the year was formalized through the Class Project: Intercollegiate Mini-Documentary Competition 2025, in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE). This initiative challenges college learners to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the perspectives of Filipino children.
To produce media content featuring new lessons for young learners, KCFI established partnerships with AIA Philippines and The Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata, Inc. (PMM), formalized through ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signings. The collaboration with AIA Philippines will produce nine (9) videos focusing on science and health lessons as part of AIA’s Healthiest Schools Program. Meanwhile, the partnership with PMM will develop a video lesson on capacitors, aligned with the high school science curriculum, and provide five (5) units of Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) to selected public schools under the Baguio City Schools Division Office.
Additionally, KCFI and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil) Inc. (FICCI) launched their partnership by conducting a KCare Training in Taytay, Rizal. The initiative equipped child development workers, barangay health workers, and parents with practical skills to provide holistic care, early stimulation, and education for children aged 0–4, helping them thrive.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA)
KCFI was named the Philippines’ National Winner for Best Children’s Program at the Asian Academy Creative Awards Gala in Singapore on December 4 for its show “Ready, Set, Read!” This prestigious award recognizes excellence across diverse media platforms in the Asia-Pacific region.
43rd Agora Awards
KCFI received an Agora Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing in the 43rd Agora Awards last January 28 as the foundation continued to have an exemplary performance in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. KCFI has also demonstrated exceptional strategies in community development, environmental protection, corporate management, and employee well-being.
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Golden Dove Awards
KCFI proudly joined the KBP Golden Dove Awards for the first time and earned twin victories for its educational shows. MathDali Grade 1 won Best Children’s Program, while WOW: Bukidnon received the Best Arts and Culture Program award. Other KCFI programs nominated as finalists include Ready, Set, Read! for Best Children’s Program, Puno ng Buhay for Best Science and Technology Program, and Game On: Larong Pinoy for Best TV Sports Program.
National Council for Children’s Television’s (NCCT) 28th Anniversary Kickoff
KCFI received the Outstanding Commitment to Child-Friendly Content Standards (CFCS) Award and the Exemplary Adherence to Child-Friendly Content Standards (CFCS) Award for its programs MathDali and Wikaharian during NCCT’s 28th Anniversary Kickoff.
Anak TV Seal Awards 2025
KCFI also participated in the Anak TV Seal Awards 2025, winning seven (7) Anak TV Seals for the following programs: AgriKids, EcoPlay, Estudyantipid, Wikaharian, Kasaysayan TV, Payong K-lusugan, and Siklo ng Enerhiya.
Gawad Flora A. Ylagan Award for Eminent Women in Education
Furthermore, KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez was honored with the inaugural Gawad Flora A. Ylagan Award for Eminent Women in Education, recognizing her significant contributions to education, training, and development across various sectors. She was also named part of the Circle of Excellence for Woman Leader of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards 2025—one of the Philippines’ premier corporate events celebrating outstanding leadership and nation-building.
Other Awards
PREPARING YOUNG MINDS FOR LIFE
Instilling Self-Empowerment
On March 11, NCCT and KCFI launched four (4) new TV shows under NCCT Originals that highlight self-empowerment among Filipino youth. The new programs: Lakbay Isip, Tropa Peeps, OK AKO, and Friendship Puzzles, explore mental health issues, sexual abuse, and self-empowerment through drama-based lessons designed for young audiences.
Kapamilya para sa Kapaligiran
In celebration of Philippine Environment Month, KCFI participated in the Lopez Envi Festival, where Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) Vice President Edric Calma unveiled two new WOW episodes: WOW Negros (Laya) and WOW Kidapawan (Diwa). These episodes were produced in partnership with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). The collaboration also aims to produce nine (9) short, animated clips that promote awareness on protecting the Philippines’ native flora and fauna.
Financial Literacy
KCFI and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation’s Estudyantipid introduced two new episodes, which were launched at Rizal High School. These episodes feature lessons on scams and fraud, as well as gross and net profit. As part of the launch, KCFI donated Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries (KCPMLs) to Rizal High School, supporting both learners and teachers in accessing KCFI’s educational resources.
As Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. moves forward, it remains committed to advancing Early Childhood Development in the Philippines—recognizing that learning and equity begin in the earliest years of life. Through its sustained focus on educational advocacy and nation-building, KCFI continues to strengthen environments that support young Filipino children.
Grounded in more than two decades of exemplary service, KCFI will continue delivering quality, curriculum-aligned, and accessible educational programs and initiatives that nurture not only young minds but also the wider community—parents, teachers, and child development workers. With strengthened partnerships and a clear mission, KCFI stands firm in its role of ensuring that no Filipino child is left behind, shaping a future where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.