DepEd revives DepEd TV to stem learning loss, boost education continuity

The Department of Education (DepEd) is reviving its flagship educational broadcast platform, DepEd TV, through a new partnership with the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and Solar Pictures, Inc., to curb learning loss and make education more resilient to disruptions.

Under a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on Thursday, the three institutions committed to promoting 21st-century learning, integrating media in classrooms, and strengthening content-based teaching.

KCFI will provide educational materials aligned with the national curriculum, while Solar Pictures will operate a dedicated digital terrestrial television channel for DepEd TV programming.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make education more adaptive, especially as climate-related disasters continue to disrupt classes in different parts of the country.

“We have communities where learners study in temporary shelters and teachers persevere despite losing their classrooms due to earthquakes or typhoons,” Angara said. 

"These are the realities of our new normal. It is difficult, but deeply reassuring to know that partners like you continue to stand with us in keeping education going,” he added.

Angara pointed out that learning continuity cannot rely solely on face-to-face classes.

He said DepEd TV will complement other programs like the Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) initiatives by reaching students in remote areas and those without stable Internet access.

Marking its 26th broadcast anniversary, KCFI president Rina Lopez said the partnership reaffirms their long-term goal of making learning more inclusive and engaging.

“From early childhood to K–12 and ALS, we remain dedicated to delivering engaging, culturally grounded, and gender-sensitive lessons that make learning stick – supported by data, feedback, and continuous improvement,” Lopez said.

Wilson Tieng, president and chief executive officer of Solar Pictures said the partnership has the potential to benefit millions of Filipino students.

“We look forward to this journey together and to witnessing the impact this collaboration will have on the lives of millions of Filipino students,” Tieng added.

The DepEd clarified that the agreement is non-exclusive and will allow the government agency to work with other educational content providers aligned with its curriculum standards.

DepED TV’s first iteration was in late 2020 as one of the initiatives for blended learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It ceased its broadcasts in 2022.

Officials said the revitalized DepEd TV represents a renewed push toward inclusive, technology-enabled, and climate-resilient education, ensuring that no learner is left behind – whether in classrooms, evacuation centers, or disaster-affected communities. — JMA, GMA Integrated News