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| Top officials and representatives of Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. and Breeze Philippines with the students and teachers of Marikina Elementary School during the launch of EcoPlay (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) and Breeze Philippines recently launched their exciting collaborative initiative entitled EcoPlay at Marikina Elementary School in Marikina City last October 7, 2024. EcoPlay will be seamlessly integrated into the Physical Education (P.E.) curriculum, incorporating traditional Filipino games and engaging students from grades 4, 5, and 6 in interactive and educational activities to promote sportsmanship values, physical fitness, and resilience. This project aims to cultivate well-rounded changemakers through sports and active play, fostering holistic development among young learners in the Schools Division Offices (SDO) of Marikina City, Quezon City, and Taguig City and Pateros (TAPAT). A total of 68 schools are taking part in the initiative with 17 from SDO Marikina, 12 from SDO Quezon City, and 39 from SDO TAPAT.
The EcoPlay initiative is the newest collaborative effort of KCFI and Breeze since EcoProject where elementary students were taught the important value of preserving and nurturing our environment and natural resources. "Today, we are proud to launch EcoPlay in our 4th year of partnership with Breeze, a partnership that continues to grow stronger with every new initiative. We at the Knowledge Channel Foundation have always believed that learning should be holistic... seamlessly integrated to the P.E. curriculum, playing traditional Filipino encourage physical fitness and fosters essential life skills like perseverance, teamwork, and respect that our students will carry with them beyond the classroom," said KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez. "We have exciting plans for EcoPlay in partnership with Knowledge Channel Foundation! We believe that our youth are changemakers, and their development should be holistic. That’s why we transitioned from EcoProject to EcoPlay because Breeze aims to raise a generation that is resilient, empowered, and driven to create positive change for the environment and society," said Breeze Philippines Premium Laundry Performance Manager Lara Santos.
Video lessons and session guides, produced by KCFI, will highlight traditional Filipino games and serve as instructional tools for educators. To encourage reflection and documentation, journals will also be distributed to all grades 4–6 students from the participating schools. Using EcoPlay game kits in classrooms, students will participate in culturally relevant games during the second grading period (October-November 2024), enhancing their perseverance and strength. Additionally, grade 3 students will have Eco Gardens to grow with their teachers or guardians, fostering environmental responsibility from a young age. At the end of project implementation, the Palarong Pinoy or a mini-Olympic will be officiated by KCFI and Breeze wherein all grades 4–6 students from participating schools compete with each other. School-winners will be rewarded with a Knowledge Channel TV package as well as trophies and certificates of recognition to commend the active participation of learners. The kickoff program, attended by KCFI, Breeze, and Department of Education School Division Office representatives, marks the official start of EcoPlay on-ground activities.
