The Ayala Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Khan Academy Philippines (KA PH) to enhance access to high-quality, 21st-century digital learning resources for students and teachers nationwide.
This collaboration brings together Ayala Corporation, Ayala Foundation, Inc., Globe Telecom, Inc., iPeople, Inc.—a joint education venture between Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group of Companies—and iPeople-affiliated schools, National Teachers College (NTC) and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC). Announced in August 2024, the partnership aims to address the learning crisis by focusing on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills through Khan Academy’s renowned online educational content.
Key Initiatives of the Partnership
The MOU underscores a shared commitment to transforming education through technology and includes the following initiatives:
- Teacher Training: Comprehensive programs led by KA PH to equip educators with innovative teaching methodologies utilizing Khan Academy’s platform.
- Program Implementation: Integration of Khan Academy’s learning resources in Ayala-affiliated schools, ensuring equitable access to free, world-class educational tools.
- Internships and Fellowships: Opportunities for students within Ayala’s network to engage in education technology roles with KA PH.
- Infrastructure Support: Deployment of digital infrastructure facilitated by Globe Telecom, such as the Classroom of the Future prototype at Museo Pambata, powered by Globe, KA PH, and Samsung.
Leaders Weigh In
Sonny Angara, Secretary of Education, praised the initiative:
“DepEd is proud to collaborate with education partners like the Ayala Group and forward-thinking organizations like Khan Academy. Together, we can tackle perennial challenges and deliver cutting-edge solutions to Filipino learners and teachers.”
Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, President and CEO of Khan Academy Philippines, emphasized the vision:
“This partnership embodies our shared goal of transforming education. With Ayala Corporation and DepEd, we’re committed to making free, world-class education accessible to every learner and teacher in the Philippines.”
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Board Member of Ayala Corporation and Chairman of Ayala Foundation, added:
“We are delighted to support this Public–Private Partnership that utilizes advanced education technology to deliver high-quality learning to Filipino students.”
Participation and Impact
- National Teachers College (NTC) and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) are participating in the Khan Academy pilot for School Year 2024-2025, expecting significant improvements in learning outcomes.
- The CENTEX Early Grades program, led by Ayala Foundation, integrates Khan Academy tools to build foundational skills and enhance digital education environments in nine DepEd schools in San Marcelino, Zambales.
Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, reaffirmed Globe’s commitment:
“As a staunch advocate for digital inclusion, Globe is honored to support this transformative initiative. We aim to bridge the digital divide and foster greater access to quality education through our robust internet infrastructure.”
A Collaborative Future
This partnership exemplifies a collective effort to innovate and democratize education. By empowering teachers and students alike, the Ayala Group, DepEd, and KA PH are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Philippine education.
