On October 1, 2024, Kaya Founders and the Department of Education (DepEd) successfully hosted the “Digital Horizons: The Future of Philippine Education” conference at the Manila Polo Club. The event brought together some of the country’s brightest minds in education, technology, and policy to explore the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of learning in the Philippines. This landmark conference underscored the importance of public-private collaborations in driving meaningful innovation in the education sector.
The conference featured keynote presentations from several high-profile leaders, led by Secretary of Education Sonny Angara. As head of DepEd, Secretary Angara emphasized the urgency of integrating technology into the country’s education system to ensure that Filipino students remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
Secretary Angara issued a powerful call to action, encouraging innovators and thought leaders to bring forward their solutions: “We invite you to pitch your solutions, your pilot programs, for better teachers, for faster learners, and more efficient governance for the country’s largest bureaucracy. We need your vision.”
Other prominent speakers included industry experts Rangga Husnaprawira, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Arianne Kader-Cu, and Peter Maquera, who all delivered thought-provoking presentations. These experts offered insights on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms, could enhance learning outcomes and accessibility across the Philippines.
The conference, organized and moderated by Paolo Vera, Kaya Founders’ Entrepreneur in Residence, highlighted the essential role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in making technology-driven education reforms possible. The event featured active participation from educators, policymakers, and tech innovators who engaged in an insightful panel discussion on how EdTech can reshape the learning landscape.
“Digital Horizons” was made possible through the generous support of key industry players and philanthropic organizations. Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation Inc., Far Eastern University, Thynker Tech, Fintech Alliance PH, Microsoft Philippines, D&L Industries, Inc., RCBC, Cambridge Children’s Learning and Development Inc., and McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation) all contributed to the event, demonstrating their commitment to improving Philippine education.
These partnerships highlight the shared vision of various stakeholders in ensuring that every Filipino student has access to high-quality education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century. With their help, the conference set the stage for future collaborations aimed at harnessing the power of technology to close gaps in the education system.
“Digital Horizons: The Future of Philippine Education” represents a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its education system through technology. By fostering dialogue between education leaders, technologists, and policymakers, the conference laid the groundwork for future innovations that will enhance the quality and accessibility of learning for all Filipino students.