BPI Brings Financial Literacy and Digital Learning to Over 73,000 Students Nationwide

As part of its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and empowering communities through education, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through BPI Foundation (BPIF), continues to expand access to financial literacy and quality learning resources across the country.

BPIF believes that building a more financially empowered Philippines starts with equipping young Filipinos with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to make informed decisions and pursue better opportunities. Through education, the Foundation seeks to help create pathways toward greater financial capability and long-term economic mobility.

This commitment comes to life through the FinEd Unboxed School Caravan, BPIF's nationwide partnership with Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), which brings technology-enabled learning tools and financial education content to public schools, particularly in underserved communities.

As part of the initiative, BPIF and KCFI recently turned over Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) packages to 15 public high schools across Iloilo City, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Cagayan de Oro City, and Misamis Oriental. The rollout will benefit more than 73,000 learners and teachers by expanding access to curriculum-based multimedia educational content.

Five additional schools in Rizal Province are set to receive KCTV packages in November, further extending the program's reach to more Filipino learners nationwide.

The turnover represents more than the donation of educational equipment. It is an investment in schools, educators, and students, providing access to learning resources that support academic achievement, financial capability, and lifelong learning.

“At BPI, we believe financial education is a powerful tool for empowerment. By helping young Filipinos develop practical money management skills early, we can help build a generation that is more responsible, resilient, and prepared for the future,” said BPIF Trustee Catherine Santamaria.

Each KCTV package provides access to more than 1,500 educational videos and learning resources that can be used offline, giving teachers additional tools to enrich classroom instruction and make learning more engaging and accessible.

“The turnover of Knowledge Channel TV is more than providing access to curriculum-based video lessons. It is an investment in the future of every learner who will benefit from engaging, interactive, and relevant educational content designed to make learning more effective and meaningful,” said KCFI Vice President Edric Calma.

The initiative also advances financial literacy through Estudyantipid, a learning series designed to make money management practical and relatable for students. Topics include saving, budgeting, responsible spending, entrepreneurship, and scam awareness, helping young people develop financial habits and decision-making skills that they can apply in everyday life.

By integrating financial education into the classroom experience, the program reinforces values such as responsibility, discipline, and resilience, equipping students with essential life skills as they prepare for an increasingly digital and complex financial environment.

BPIF recognizes that meaningful financial inclusion goes beyond access to financial services. It requires capability: the ability to understand choices, manage resources, identify risks, and act with confidence.

By investing in these capabilities early, BPIF helps equip young Filipinos to navigate future financial responsibilities and opportunities with greater confidence. Over time, stronger financial literacy can contribute to more resilient households, more informed consumers, and stronger communities.

Recipient schools:

Iloilo and Guimaras

Jordan National High School

Trinidad V. Canja-Sta. Teresa National High School

Iloilo City National High School

Jaro National High School

Ramon Avancena National High School

Zamboanga City and Basilan

Zamboanga City National High School – Main

Ayala National High School

Talon-Talon National High School

Isabela City National High School

Basilan National High School

Cagayan De Oro and Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School

Cagayan De Oro National High School

Canitoan National High School

Carmen National High School

Pedro “Oloy” N. Roa Sr. High School

The turnover forms part of the continuing nationwide rollout of the FinEd Unboxed School Caravan, with succeeding legs scheduled in Rizal Province. These upcoming installations will further expand access to multimedia educational resources and financial literacy content for schools, teachers, and learners across the country.

Through BPIF, BPI continues to champion education and financial wellness as key drivers of inclusive development, helping equip the next generation with the knowledge, confidence, and values needed to build more secure futures and contribute to a more financially resilient Philippines.

To learn more about BPIF’s programs, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).

Watch and Learn: PCTA Partners with DepEd, Knowledge Channel to Make Learning More Accessible in Remote Areas in the Philippines

Education is one of the sectors that has been affected dramatically by the pandemic. Aside from the threat of Covid-19, students, families, and educators face other challenges such as limited to no internet connection and expensive Internet data costs. To reach more students even in remote areas, the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Knowledge Channel to provide easier access to students through televised learning materials that will be aired on TV for students. 

Together, the PCTA member-cable operators are serving 75% of the total cable TV subscribers in the Philippines.

“Many Filipino students living in remote areas are constrained by the accessibility and speed of Internet connection, and the high cost of data to stay connected. Learning then begins to feel like a difficult chore, and a hurdle to overcome. Yet, these households have television sets even before mobile phones and laptops. We are hopeful that we ease the challenges our students face as they will now have easier access to free educational content aired in cable television channels,” said Joel Dabao, PCTA President.

The partnership was sealed through a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DepEd and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to make full use of their cable TV systems activating their member operators participation in this national effort of airing DepEd TV programs for school year 2020-21.

PCTA members have agreed to air informational materials from DepEd TV that are standardized for academic institutions nationwide. “Many remote areas will be covered by this service, and we are privileged to serve as conduits of enriched learning during this trying time. Our mission is to ensure that no Filipino student is left behind,” furthered Dabao.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones lauded the agreement during the MOU signing, as it paves the way for the department’s access to television and cable for their distance learning program, with cable provider access of up to three channels to air content produced by the DepEd Central Office. These will be a valuable resource for students who do not have access to the internet and those who cannot afford to purchase gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Aside from airing DepEd TV materials, PCTA also announced a partnership with Knowledge Channel which encourages PCTA members’ cable systems to include Knowledge Channel in their line-up and air its TV-based educational content.

The Knowledge Channel has long had a strong supporter in the PCTA since 2003. Elvira Lopez-Bautista, President and Executive Director of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, highlights that television can be a powerful tool for learning and will help Filipino children absorb not only their academic lessons but, also enhance values learning through engaging content.
“My fervent wish is that through this bayanihan effort with cable providers, distance learning will become more accessible, feasible, affordable, and most of all, enjoyable for every Filipino child,” said Lopez-Bautista. “With Knowledge Channel Foundation and PCTA working together, mas masaya matuto ng bago.”

“Now, more than ever, education should be at the forefront of our concerted efforts to build a society that is resilient even in the face of a pandemic. As we forge these partnerships, we let the bayanihan spirit prevail for the common good where we all work together for the future of Filipino children,” added Dabao.

For more information about the PCTA, visit www.pcta.org.ph


ABOUT PCTA

The PHILIPPINE CABLE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION (PCTA), INC. is the umbrella organization of nationwide Cable Television Operators and Internet Service Providers in the Philippines. Its membership roster includes the biggest cable operators in the country as well as the medium and small cable operators who, through their pain-staking efforts, have succeeded in bringing up-to-date programs, information, and technology to the farthest island in the country. To date, the PCTA has over 300 regular members. Together, the PCTA member-cable operators are serving 75% of the total cable TV subscribers in the Philippines.