Technology News PH | DepEd TV Set for Soft Launch as Angara Expands EdTech Access Through Knowledge Channel–Solar Learning Partnership
Makati City — The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing for the soft launch of DepEd TV, marking a major expansion of the government’s broadcast-based learning initiatives through a strategic partnership with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and Solar Learning. The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s and Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s push to modernize education delivery and widen access to quality learning for Filipino students nationwide.
The collaboration enables DepEd TV’s curriculum-aligned content to be aired across Knowledge Channel’s extensive on-air, online, and offline learning platforms, with Solar Learning providing the broadcast infrastructure needed to reach learners across diverse connectivity environments.
Expanding Access to Education Through Broadcast and Digital Platforms
Through the partnership, DepEd TV lessons will be distributed via multiple channels, including cable television, direct-to-home satellite services, and digital terrestrial TV. The initiative also integrates digital learning platforms and offline solutions, such as school-based television packages and portable media libraries, ensuring that teachers can use video lessons even in areas without reliable internet access.
KCFI will work closely with DepEd to package and program episodes that are fully aligned with the national curriculum. These episodes will be formatted for broadcast use in schools and adapted for offline deployment, particularly in low-connectivity and geographically isolated communities.
Supporting Learning Recovery and Instructional Modernization
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the initiative strengthens DepEd’s learning recovery agenda while advancing modern instructional methods.
“Kung mas marami tayong paraan para makarating ang dekalidad na aral sa bawat tahanan at paaralan, mas malapit tayo sa pangarap ng Bagong Pilipinas. DepEd TV will help us close learning gaps by bringing structured, curriculum-based lessons directly to our students,” Angara said.
The initiative reflects DepEd’s broader effort to balance technology-enabled learning with inclusive delivery methods that respond to existing infrastructure limitations.
Shared Commitment to Equitable Learning
Rina Lopez, President and Co-Founder of Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc., highlighted the organization’s mission to support inclusive education.
“Knowledge Channel is committed to helping DepEd bring structured lessons closer to learners, teachers, and families—especially in areas where connectivity remains a barrier,” Lopez said.
Echoing this commitment, Wilson Y. Tieng of Solar Learning underscored the long-term national value of the initiative.
“For Solar, this agreement takes us a step towards our purpose. By providing a dedicated digital broadcast channel for DepEd TV, we are directly investing in the country’s future. This endeavor is built on shared goals: to ensure that every child has the right to learn effectively, and to support the delivery of 21st-century learning in the classroom,” Tieng said.
Structured Programming for School Year 2025–2026
The DepEd TV soft launch will introduce a daily programming schedule featuring lessons from Early Childhood Development for Kids through Grade 10, organized into structured time blocks covering major learning areas.
For School Year 2025–2026, the planned broadcast grid includes sequenced lessons in:
- English
- Filipino
- Mathematics
- Science
- Araling Panlipunan
- MAPEH
This structure allows learners to follow a predictable and standardized televised curriculum, reinforcing classroom instruction and independent learning.
“Malaking tulong din ang mga programang ito upang mapalakas ang pagtuturo at pag-aaral sa pagbasa at pagbilang, lalong-lalo na ang mga nasa Kinder at Grades 1 to 3,” Angara added.
He also noted that DepEd TV will feature Early Childhood Series for Parents and Teachers during weekends to further support foundational learning.
Broadcast Coverage and Viewing Availability
Knowledge Channel will carry 16 hours of DepEd TV programming daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., across the following platforms:
Cable TV
- SkyCable Channel 5 (Metro Manila)
- SkyTV Channel 32 (Provincial)
- Cablelink Channel 3 (Metro Manila)
- PCTA-affiliated cable operators
Direct-to-Home Satellite
- Cignal Channel 146
- Satlite Channel 182
These broadcasts ensure continuity of learning at home, particularly during class suspensions caused by emergencies or weather disruptions. DepEd noted that DepEd TV will also be accessible to learners in evacuation centers, allowing education to continue even when students are displaced.
Technical Framework and Phased Rollout
DepEd explained that the technical plan includes simulcast broadcasting, delayed telecasts, and satellite feed integration to guarantee wide coverage and consistent programming. This framework was developed jointly with Knowledge Channel and Solar Learning to ensure operational reliability.
Initial coverage through Solar Learning will include the National Capital Region and key provinces in Luzon, with expansion planned as the system undergoes phased testing, performance evaluation, and quality assurance checks.
The soft launch phase will allow DepEd to assess broadcast performance, regional accessibility, and coordination with field offices before proceeding with a nationwide rollout. The department will release the full implementation schedule once technical and content deployment tests are completed
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