ChildFund Philippines, with the support of ChildFund Korea and in partnership with the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Manila and Gems Heart Outreach Development, Inc., concluded a series of workshops aimed at improving literacy and numeracy skills through digital tools. These workshops were part of the Pro-Digital LOOP Project, designed to create safer and more engaging online learning environments for children.
Held across three sessions in November and December 2024, the workshops brought together educators, school heads, and other stakeholders. The first session, held from November 8 to 10 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, gathered 85 Elementary Science Teachers, 14 ICT Teachers, 10 school heads, and SDO personnel. A second session, conducted from November 22 to 24 at the same venue, welcomed 89 Elementary English Teachers, 10 ICT Teachers, and 10 school heads. The final session, held from December 14 to 15, engaged 91 Mathematics Teachers, 10 ICT Teachers, and 5 school heads at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and Manila Prince Hotel.
The program opened with inspiring messages from Dr. Ebenezer A. Beloy, Chief Education Supervisor of the Curriculum Implementation Division, and key Education Program Supervisors including Ms. Merie Gerlie Capiral for Science, Mr. Vicente Victorio, Jr. for English, Ms. Amcy Esteban for Kindergarten and Special Needs Education, and Dr. Remylinda Soriano for Mathematics. Participants were oriented on the Pro-Digital LOOP Project by Mr. Humabon Marollano, Project Manager at ChildFund, setting a collaborative and purpose-driven tone for the workshops.
The workshops covered several critical areas, starting with sessions on Digital Parent Activities for Safe Online Learning, known as Digi-PACT, led by Ms. Marlene Floresca, Senior Education Specialist at ChildFund. These sessions provided participants with strategies to help parents support their children’s online learning in safe and effective ways. Online safety was another focus, with Mr. Allan Nuñez, Senior Advocacy and Child Protection Specialist, sharing tools and practices to safeguard students in digital spaces.
Participants also engaged in hands-on workshops with Canva, facilitated by Mr. Albert James Macaraeg of SDO Manila and IT experts from Far Eastern University. These practical sessions enabled teachers to design creative and interactive digital lesson plans. The program culminated in collaborative sessions where educators developed strategies to integrate these tools into their classrooms while actively involving parents in the learning process.
The Schools Division Office of Manila expressed heartfelt gratitude to ChildFund Philippines, Gems Heart Outreach Development, Inc., and all the dedicated educators who contributed to the program’s success. This initiative highlighted the value of collaboration in addressing the challenges of modern education.
By equipping teachers with the skills to incorporate technology effectively, the workshops reinforced the commitment to providing students with meaningful and relevant learning experiences. SDO Manila affirmed its dedication to innovation and continuous improvement, recognizing the importance of preparing both educators and students for the demands of today’s digital age.
