Rotary Global Grant and Knowledge Channel Foundation launch 6-Month Certificate Training Program for the Upskilling of Child Development Workers

By Angelo Dizon and Phoebe Camacho

BARAS, Rizal—July 7, 2025 – Thirty-nine Child Development Teachers and Workers (CDT/Ws) in the Municipality of Baras are set to receive a significant boost with the launch of "Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata: Certificate Program for the Upskilling of Child Development Workers." This six-month training program is made possible by Rotary Global Grant #2457741, through the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District, Rotary District 3830, Rotary Club of Cheonan Dongho, and Rotary District 3620, and also with the help of the following cooperating organizations: Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council,  UP Department of Family Life and Child Development (UP DFLCD), and Municipality of Baras, Rizal. The certificate program aims to enhance the skills and competencies of CDT/Ws in the community. 

Jose Luis “Bobet” Vera - President, Rotary Club of Makati Premier District

Jose Luis “Bobet” Vera, President of Rotary Club of Makati Premier District, articulated their club’s strategic focus on education underscoring the foundational importance of a child's initial four years of life to their future learning trajectory. “We believe that by empowering the development workers who care for these children, we can help raise the quality of education and support they receive,” said Vera. 

Edric Calma - Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.

“This certificate program for the upskilling of CDW/Ts is a meaningful step toward our shared vision of empowering frontliners in early childhood development,” said Edric Calma, Vice President of KCFI. “Together with our partners, we hope to strengthen early childhood education for all through capacity-building of the CDW/Ts and providing them learning resources such as the Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library for ECD to aid in their teaching.” 

It was attended by the municipality’s local government unit, barangay leaders, and the thirty-nine (39) CDT/Ws from all the child development centers of Baras, Rizal. The morning launch concluded with a pledge of oath, a message of gratitude from Vice Mayor KC Robles, and an official turnover ceremony of the TVs and PMLs (Portable Media Libraries) to the CDTs/Ws.  

Following the launch program, the training sessions began with the introduction of UP DFLCD faculty members, who were assigned to clusters of participants as mentors. To set the tone for the first module, participants watched the first in a series of training videos developed by KCFI in collaboration with UP DFLCD and funded by RCMPD. The video, featuring Ms. Bernadette Sembrano and Asst. Prof. Erickson Maclid, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and reflection in the work of child development workers. 

The training officially opened with Module 1: Personal and Professional Development, facilitated by Teacher Nam Ugaddan from UP DFLCD. Participants engaged in a two-fold process of individual reflection and community building. They explored their personal and professional growth as CDT/Ws using Carol Dweck's "The Growth Mindset," identifying strengths and areas for improvement through a self-assessment booklet and group discussions, which culminated in personalized Lifelong Learning Plans. These plans outlined values, activities, and crucial support needed to communicate these needs to local government units for future assistance. 

Miriam “Nam” Uggadan, Asssitant Professor, UP Department of Family Life and Child Development

“When we talk about lifelong learning, it’s not just about gaining new knowledge—it’s about staying curious, open, and reflective in our journey as educators,” shared Teacher Nam. “Through this training, we hope to build a strong community of practice that supports not just individual growth, but collective progress in the early childhood sector.”

To cap off the event, each child development worker received a Knowledge Channel Portable Media Library (PML)—an external hard drive preloaded with curriculum-aligned video lessons, e-modules, session guides, and other resources to support early childhood instruction. These learning tools aim to enrich teaching and promote more engaging, developmentally appropriate practices in Baras' child development centers. With the assistance of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), teachers also brought back television units also donated through the Global Grant to their respective centers, helping ensure that every child can access high-quality, multimedia-based learning. 

“Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata” is a meaningful step toward strengthening early childhood education in Baras. By investing in the development of its teachers and caregivers, the municipality reinforces its commitment to nurturing young learners through quality, accessible, and holistic care and education.