“Early Years are Key”: Rina Lopez Highlights Knowledge Channel’s Role in Early Childhood Learning

By Janna Kyla Dela Cruz

Manila, Philippines – Knowledge Channel Foundation President and Executive Director Rina Lopez underscored the vital role of early childhood learning in building a strong educational foundation during her guesting on DZMM’s Konek Ka D’yan segment. 

Lopez stressed that focusing on children ages 0–8 years old is critical to shaping future learning outcomes. “Kung hindi natin ma-solve yung early childhood, ‘yung later years ay mahirap na i-solve. Kaya 0–8 yung aming inaalagaan para sa video productions, provision of access, and capacity building,” she explained. 

Amid the growing use of gadgets and digital platforms, Lopez highlighted how Knowledge Channel transforms technology into a force for education. “Mas nagiging relevant ‘yung Knowledge Channel ngayon, because ‘yung mga videos na pino-produce namin ay ineere namin sa TV, online, pati na rin offline. Kaya makakapag-aral ang mga bata at makakapagturo ang mga guro at magulang gamit ang mga devices na ‘yan. So, it’s not just for entertainment, but also for education,” she said. 

The foundation ensures that all its content keeps pace with the evolving curriculum. Programs such as MathDali and Wikaharian integrate 21st-century learning strategies, including growth mindset and holistic approaches to numeracy and reading comprehension. Lopez revealed that Knowledge Channel is currently producing over 200 new videos for children ages 3–8, all aligned with DepEd’s teachers’ guides and ECCD standards. 

Knowledge Channel’s role also becomes more crucial in times of crisis. “Maski walang pasok ay makatututok at makapag-aaral pa rin sila kahit sa bahay lang—on-air, online, offline, andiyan yung mga programa ng Knowledge Channel,” Lopez noted. 

Beyond numbers and programs, Lopez emphasized the deeper impact of their work. She recalled a parent from a remote community who told her: “Hindi satellite dish at TV ang dinala niyo rito, kundi pag-asa at pagmamahal.” 

She also talked about the ECCD System Act (RA 12199), which she described as one of her proudest and happiest moments. The law, signed on May 8, 2025, strengthens the country’s national system for early childhood care and development by recognizing the critical years from 0 to 8, expanding integrated services in education, health, nutrition, and social development, and ensuring stronger institutional support through the ECCD Council. Lopez expressed how meaningful this was, as it provides a more stable and professional framework for the country’s child development programs and the workers who deliver them.  

She shared that she actively supported and advocated for the ECCD System Act, contributing to policy discussions and pushing for reforms over the past two years. For Lopez, the law’s passage was deeply personal, having worked tirelessly to support its development and promote the professionalization of child development services. 

Looking ahead, Lopez reaffirmed Knowledge Channel Foundation’s commitment to serve children, caregivers, parents, and teachers across all platforms. “Our family is blessed to have that as a legacy… not just as businesspeople, but also as people who give themselves in the work that they do,” she reflected. 

For over two decades, Knowledge Channel Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to deliver quality, accessible, and transformative learning to every Filipino child—ensuring that education goes beyond classrooms and reaches homes and communities nationwide.