The author delivers her acceptance speech at the National Teachers College campus in Manila I am deeply honored to share that I have just received a Gawad Flora A. Ylagan Eminent Women in Education award from the National Teachers College. The award holds special significance as it is given for the very first time, timed perfectly in celebration of International Women’s History Month and National Women’s Month, and in commemoration of the 56th death anniversary of Dr. Flora A. Ylagan—a pioneering educator whose vision and leadership transformed lives. It is a privilege to receive this award alongside incredible women who, in their own ways, are shaping education and nation-building.

But this award is not just about honoring the past—it is about the responsibility we share in shaping the future.

When I first started Knowledge Channel, it was not an easy journey. I worked tirelessly, often facing moments of doubt. I questioned whether I had the skills and knowledge to succeed in this field.

But then I realized that I had a unique opportunity—to use my family’s media platforms as a force for good. My vision was clear: to provide every Filipino child with access to quality education, no matter where they live.

Education is deeply personal to me. As I have watched my own children and now my grandchildren grow, I have seen firsthand how the love, care and learning they receive in their earliest years shape the people they become. I have witnessed how a nurturing environment, filled with learning opportunities, can build confidence, curiosity and resilience.

However, not every child in the Philippines has that same opportunity. Many Filipino children start school already behind. Some struggle with reading, others do not get enough stimulation at home and many are in classrooms where teachers lack the right resources. When a child falls behind early, catching up becomes increasingly difficult.

This reality led me to cofound Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), with a mission to ensure no child is left behind. We have worked tirelessly to provide quality learning materials, trained teachers and the support children need to succeed—wherever they may be.

One story that has stayed with me is of a little girl in a remote barangay who would walk an hour a day to school along a dusty road. The first time she watched a Knowledge Channel educational video, she was mesmerized. Her father later told us: “Ngayon lang siya ganito ka-interesado sa pagaaral.” She went on to become a lawyer—the first in her family to finish high school, college and law school.

That is the power of education. It can ignite curiosity, build confidence and open doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

If we truly want to make a difference in education, we need to start at the beginning. Research tells us that 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of five. This means that the experiences, learning and care a child receives during these early years determine their future success.

Yet, millions of Filipino children still do not have access to proper early childhood education. Many zero-to-fiveyear-olds suffer from malnutrition, and too many three- and four-year-olds lack proper care in centers or at home. If we do not act now, learning poverty will continue to rise.

To address the learning crisis, I have been involved in education policy discussions in the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM2. We have contributed greatly to the passage and ratification of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, revising the 2013 Early Years Act. The government has reaffirmed the vital role of early childhood education in shaping our nation’s future. This bill strengthens support for the establishment of child development centers, teacher training and parental involvement in early education. It ensures better career opportunities for educators by formalizing plantilla positions and setting salary grade levels for child development teachers in barangay centers.

To address these challenges, KCFI expanded its programs to focus on early childhood development (ECD), from birth to eight years old. Our “Basa Bilang” program strengthens foundational literacy and numeracy skills through engaging educational shows like “Kinder Yes,” “Wikaharian,” “Ready, Set, Read!” and “MathDali” and capacity-building programs.

Beyond cognitive development, children need proper nutrition, emotional support and social stimulation. During my initial engagement with the Asia Philanthropy Circle in 2018, I learned that 26.7% of Filipino children are physically stunted. Malnutrition is a learning issue and we must address it early.

Recognizing this, KCFI integrates health and nutrition into our ECD initiatives. Shows like “Dok Ricky, Pedia,” “I Love You 1000” for the first 1,000 days of a child and “TalkEd” teach parents and caregivers about proper child care, health and nutrition.

We introduced KCare, a training program for child development workers, parents, teachers, health care providers and local government officials. It truly takes an entire community to raise a child, and we are committed to equipping caregivers with the skills they need to support young learners.

This mission is not possible alone. I invite everyone to stand together and be a strong advocate for early childhood development. When you dedicate yourself to shaping young minds, you are not just building a career. You are building a nation.

Support our nation’s children and our future. Donate to Knowledge Channel Foundation today through BPI Acct. No. 0201-0409-14, and be part of this transformative mission. Let us honor the nurturing spirit and the strength of women who dedicate their lives to shaping the future, ensuring that every child is given the care and education they deserve.

(Story by:Rina Lopez)