KCFI and FICCI conduct KCare to boost Early Childhood Development for 2,400 children in Taytay, Rizal

By Rebelyn Beyong

TAYTAY, RIZAL - To address the growing need for quality early childhood care and development support in high-density communities, the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil) Inc. (FICCI) conducted the Knowledge Channel Early Childhood Care and Education (KCare) Training Program in Taytay, Rizal. 

Held last November 26 to 28 at the Rizal Provincial Civic Center, the three-day initiative focused on upskilling the local childcare workforce and equipping Child Development Centers (CDCs) with multimedia resources to improve learning outcomes for approximately 2,400 children across the municipality of Taytay.

The program brought together 80 Early Childhood Development (ECD) stakeholders, including all 47 CDWs, barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars and members of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) from all five barangays in Taytay.

Bridging the resource gap

The training aimed to address gaps in early childhood care and education by equipping Child Development Workers (CDWs) with knowledge on the National Early Learning Framework (NELF), responsive caregiving, nutrition, and the purposeful use of technology to counter excessive and unguided gadget use among young children. It also responded to the limited access of many Child Development Centers (CDCs) to developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant learning media designed for Filipino children, particularly in high-density communities.

At the core of the initiative was the turnover of 10 Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries (KCPMLs) for ECD—external hard drives loaded with Knowledge Channel’s curriculum-based video lessons—to the beneficiary CDCs. These resources enable CDWs to integrate developmentally appropriate multimedia learning into their sessions, enhancing children’s engagement and comprehension while ensuring accessibility even without an internet connection.

Investing in the first 1,000 days

During the opening ceremony of the training, KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez emphasized that the intervention goes beyond simple instruction, highlighting the collective responsibility of the community. "Lahat tayo ay naniniwala na ang early childhood care and education ay talagang nakaka-shape ng lifelong learning," Lopez said, "At na mas nagiging matatag ang isang komunidad kapag suportado ang youngest members nito: ang mga bata."

She further highlighted the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) and its components, explaining how it promotes a holistic approach to supporting children’s health, learning, and overall development.

FICCI, represented by its leadership team including President Mahesh Mirpuri, Vice President Ravi Samtani, Vice President of Advocacies Jashwin Daryanani and Executive Director Aileen Leviste-Arao co-presented the project as part of their advocacy for nation-building through education.

FICCI Vice President Ravi Samtani noted that the partnership signifies a move toward a better future for the youth. "Hindi lang po ito kasunduan, ito ay isang hakbang para suportahan ang kinabukasan ng mga batang Pilipino.” He added that early education is crucial for holistic development: "Hindi lang po ito paghahanda para sa paaralan, paghahanda po ito para sa buhay. Sa unang mga taon ng isang bata, nabubuo ang kanilang kakayahang matuto at mangarap."

The local government’s support

The Local Government Unit of Taytay, under the administration of Mayor Allan Martine S. De Leon and represented by Councilor Joan Calderon, committed to institutionalizing the training outcomes. The local government provides 100% free ECCD services and has pledged to monitor the implementation of the new teaching strategies. The training culminated with teaching demonstrations, where CDWs applied their new skills in play-based learning and technology integration. Following the event, the CDWs will become part of a monitored professional learning community to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Ultimately, the program strives to instill core Filipino values—Maka-Diyos, Makabayan, Makatao, and Makakalikasan—in the next generation to strengthen the nation's fabric. "Sana po through this program, mas lalo pa nating mapalakas ang mga values na ito—sa bawat CDW, bawat pamilya, at syempre, para sa bawat batang Taytayeño," Lopez concluded.