ChildFund teams up with Manila LGU, DepEd to modernize ICT Hubs, promotes online child safety

  Manila, Philippines – ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with ChildFund Korea, is transforming digital learning environments in publi...

 Manila, Philippines – ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with ChildFund Korea, is transforming digital learning environments in public elementary schools in Manila through its Pro-Digital LOOP Project by upgrading information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, providing training workshops to communities on safe digital practices, and supporting the development of national online child protection policies. 

Beata Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila, is one of the public schools that received upgraded ICT facilities and digital safety training under the Pro-Digital LOOP Project. Photo from ChildFund Philippines.

Launched in November 2023, the Pro-Digital LOOP Project addresses two critical challenges in the country’s education system: unequal access to technology and increasing online risks to children. Through partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc., the project is establishing inclusive and tech-enabled classrooms that promote safe, effective, and equitable learning experiences for all. 

Marlene Floresca, Senior Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines, emphasized that multi-sectoral partnerships allowed them to yield holistic impact of the initiative: “The project has transformed schools and homes by equipping them to better support children’s digital learning. Our approach not only provides technology but also strengthens safe digital literacy, ensuring that children can thrive academically and protect themselves online.”

Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School in Manila is one of the public schools that received upgraded ICT facilities and digital safety training under the Pro-Digital LOOP Project. Photo from ChildFund Philippines. 

This shift is already evident in the classrooms. “Many of our students now come to school excited to learn because they can explore digital tools safely and creatively,” said Eremeo Monte, ICT Coordinator at Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School in Manila. “We’ve seen how ICT hubs can spark curiosity and help students learn better across subjects—from reading to science.” 

Bagong Barangay Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila, is one of the public schools that received upgraded ICT facilities and digital safety training under the Pro-Digital LOOP Project. Photo from ChildFund Philippines. 

Since its launch, the Pro-Digital LOOP Project has enhanced digital learning in 10 Manila public elementary schools by providing 200 laptops, smart TVs, printers, air conditioners, and refurbished ICT hubs with high-speed internet. In addition, 200 licensed Microsoft applications were distributed, and 346 teachers—including subject specialists in math, reading, and science—along with ICT coordinators,

PRESS RELEASE principals, and education staff, were trained in using multimedia digital resources appropriate for their elementary students. 

During their recent visit to select public schools in Manila, representatives from ChildFund Philippines, ChildFund Korea, and GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc. engaged with school administrators and teachers to discuss the impact of the Pro-Digital LOOP Project and explore ways to further strengthen digital learning and child online safety. [L-R: Carol Estuesta, Program Manager, GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc.; Shiena Bondad, Project Coordinator, GEMS; Eremeo Monte, ICT Coordinator, Fernando 

Ma. Guerrero Elementary School, Manila; Loren Francisco, Interim Project Manager; Minerva Rosco, Principal, Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School, Manila; Minjin Kim, Country Program Manager, ChildFund Korea; Editha Labrador, Project Development Officer, GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc.; Minji Ki, Global Education Program Team Leader, ChildFund Korea; and, Marlene Floresca, Senior Education Specialist; ChildFund Philippines]. 

Photo from ChildFund Philippines. 

The project also engaged parents and caregivers, with more than 2,000 oriented on the goals of Pro-Digital LOOP and the importance of safe digital learning at home. Over 6,000 students and nearly 400 teachers actively used the ICT hubs during the last quarter of 2024, enhancing digital skills and academic performance. 

Minjin Kim, Country Program Manager of ChildFund Korea, shared, “Teachers have become more confident using digital tools to deliver lessons effectively, and students are more engaged and better able to understand their lessons because of the interactive nature of digital learning.” She added that the establishment of ICT hubs provides access to richer academic resources, enhancing teaching and learning experiences. 

According to Camille Villareal, ICT Coordinator of Bagong Barangay Elementary School, “The new equipment and digital resources have truly changed how we teach and engage with our students. They’re now more interactive and eager, especially in subjects like math and science, where multimedia tools make lessons clearer and more exciting.” Likewise, Carmela Conmigo, ICT Coordinator at Beata Elementary School, expressed, “The training we received helped us integrate technology effectively, and the community’s involvement has been key to ensuring students learn and stay safe online.”

 

During a recent visit to select Manila public schools, including Bagong Barangay Elementary School, representatives from ChildFund Philippines, ChildFund Korea, and GEMS Heart Outreach Development Inc. met with educators to assess the impact of the Pro-Digital LOOP Project and identify ways to enhance digital learning and online child safety. Photo from ChildFund Philippines. 

Building on these improvements in teaching and engagement, Carol Salba, Principal at Bagong Barangay Elementary School, highlighted the broader impact on students: “The gadgets and instructional materials provided through the project have been a great opportunity for our students. They are more motivated to learn, which translated into increased participation and a lower dropout rate this year. We hope this program continues so that even more students can benefit from it.” 

Beyond schools, the project has contributed to strengthening policies on safe digital literacy and learning environments. Collaborative meetings with tech companies like Meta and TikTok paved the way for upcoming advocacy meetings and policy dialogues involving children. Likewise, engagements with the DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Bureau are set to include online safety in the revised DepEd Child Protection Policy, supported by training initiatives and policy digitalization efforts. 

Parents have also noticed the impact. “One PTA (parent-teacher association) member recognized the efforts to raise digital literacy and ensure online safety for children,” Kim noted. Parents expressed appreciation for the project’s role in addressing challenges related to excessive phone and game use. 

By bridging the digital divide and reinforcing child protection online, ChildFund envisions a future where every Filipino child has access to safe, technology-enhanced learning that empowers them to succeed in an increasingly connected world.