KCFI and ATI Celebrate AgriKids Program Graduates, Launch New Video Lessons
By Rebelyn Beyong
BUGALLON, PANGASINAN — The Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), together with the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), held a joint celebration on October 25 in Bugallon, Pangasinan to honor the graduation of young learners from the AgriKids Training Program. The event also marked the official launch of 10 new episodes of the AgriKids video series, which now expands to include topics for Grades 6 to 8. The AgriKids Training Program, led by ATI, is an on-ground initiative of sessions that immerses children in agriculture. It uses engaging video lessons jointly produced by KCFI and ATI to introduce farming practices, environmental conservation, and basic biology, aiming to inspire a new generation to appreciate and love the agricultural sector.
Dr. Maricel D. Dacapias, Chief of the Information Services Section of DA-ATI-RTC I, highlighted the program's crucial role in addressing a national challenge. "Ang ating programa ng AgriKids, ay in support na rin sa mga kabataan kung saan ay gusto nating manumbalik sa kanila ang agrikultura," she explained. "We are looking forward na ma-appreciate nila ang agriculture at alam natin na ito ay isa sa mga challenges natin ngayon dahil aging farmers na talaga tayo."
Dr. Dacapias noted that the video format is essential for connecting with modern learners. "Nasa in na tayo ng digital age na kung saan mas gusto na ng mga kabataan ‘yung mga napapanood nila... Kaya napakalaking bagay na naka modular siya in videos. Parang nanonood lang sila at ginagaya na rin," she said.
Edric Calma, Vice President of KCFI, emphasized the program's role as a key initiative for the foundation. "AgriKids is one of our flagship programs designed to help Filipino learners, teachers, families, and communities," Calma said. He stressed the importance of introducing agriculture to children early "upang mas maunawaan nila ang kahalagahan ng agrikultura sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at pagpapahalagang kaakibat nito tulad ng food production, sustainability, at community."
Calma acknowledged the partners who make the program possible, including ATI, the Department of Education (DepEd), and on-ground implementor World Vision Philippines. The "AgriKids" series has received significant recognition for its quality and impact. The video series is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Anak TV Seal, winning in 2023, 2024, and again for 2025. It was also named a Best Children and Youth Program Finalist at the 2024 Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Looking to the future, Dr. Dacapias hopes the program's graduates will become the next generation of agricultural leaders. "We are looking forward na magkakaroon tayo ng mga agriculturist din mula sa mga AgriKids graduates natin."
During the event, KCFI also brought its "Knowledge On The Go" game to quiz the learners on the concepts they learned from the video series. Watch episodes of AgriKids here.