Angara grants P5 M to KCFI for techvoc video training programs

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Edgardo Angara has signed a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday with the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) setting aside P 5 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the creation of new technical-vocational education modules.

Under the agreement, KFCI will produce quality learning materials for technical-vocational learners throughout the country through video training programs and e-learning modules in fields such as Food Technology, Crop Production, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista also signed the agreement together with Rina Lopez Bautista, KCFI president and executive director. The local government of Quezon City is tasked with the release of the allocation and performance monitoring.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on education, arts and culture, underscored the importance of technical-vocational training to the continued development of the Philippine workforce.

“Tech-voc graduates have a better chance of landing jobs than the average college graduate because they fill the employment gaps in crucial industries like food production,” said Angara, also chairman of the Senate committee on science and technology.

According to Angara, the country must also recognize the value of utilizing modern information and communications technology (ICT) in education.

“These e-learning modules can be made available to marginalized youth and adult learners who cannot afford the textbooks and school materials. The e-learning modules and training videos that will be produced by the Knowledge Channel can be used by hundreds of students and learners simultaneously in different areas of the country,” the senator said.

“This way we are expanding the learning platform without adding to our shortfalls in textbooks and classroom furniture,” Angara explained.

“This tech-voc project is also aligned with the specialization thrust of the K to 12 basic education reform. It is important that we promote tech-voc as a viable means toward gainful employment,” Angara said.