Ayala Group, DepEd, Khan Academy Partner for Digital Learning Push

The Ayala Group has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Khan Academy Philippines (KA PH) to expand access to world-class digital learning resources for Filipino students and teachers nationwide.

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), involves key Ayala subsidiaries such as Ayala Foundation, Globe Telecom, iPeople Inc., and its schools—National Teachers College (NTC) and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC). The initiative seeks to enhance literacy and numeracy skills through Khan Academy’s globally recognized online educational content.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to address the country’s learning challenges.

“DepEd is proud and grateful to stand shoulder to shoulder with these education partners. We can solve perennial challenges in education by drawing from the expertise of partners like Ayala Group and the cutting-edge vision of enterprises of the future like Khan Academy,” Angara said.

Key programs under the partnership include teacher training led by KA PH, deploying Khan Academy’s platform in Ayala-affiliated schools, internships and fellowships, and Globe Telecom’s digital infrastructure support. One notable initiative is the “Classroom of the Future,” a prototype at Museo Pambata showcasing tech-enabled learning environments.

Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, President and CEO of Khan Academy Philippines, highlighted the collaboration’s impact on inclusive education.

“This partnership is a testament to our collective vision of transforming education in the Philippines,” she said. “By joining forces with the Ayala Group alongside the Department of Education, we are paving the way for innovative and inclusive learning solutions that empower Filipino students and educators alike.”

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation board member and Ayala Foundation chairman, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships.

“We are delighted to support DepEd and Khan Academy in this very important initiative to utilize the latest education technology to deliver high-quality education to many Filipino learners in public and private schools,” he said.

The partnership aligns with Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX Early Grades initiative, which aims to improve foundational skills through digital education. Tony Lambino, Ayala Foundation President, noted the recent launch of the program in nine DepEd schools in San Marcelino, Zambales.

Other leaders from Ayala Group affiliates echoed their support. Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, underscored the role of connectivity in bridging the digital divide, while NTC’s Dr. Edizon Fermin highlighted the deployment of teaching interns to assist in the pilot program.

Fred Ayala, iPeople President, confirmed the pilot implementation in UNC and NTC, expecting significant improvements in learning outcomes for the upcoming school year.

This initiative marks a step forward in integrating technology into education, supporting DepEd’s vision of equitable, quality learning for all.