A Shared Vision for Learners: KHC and DepEd Sign "Bridging the Digital Divide" Agreement

A celebration of partnership and a shared vision for our learners recently took center stage at Banilad Elementary School. March 16, 2026 marked the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the project "Bridging the Digital Divide: A PPP Pilot Project for Digital Literacy in Philippine Elementary Education" between KHC’s Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth and the Department of Education Schools Division of Negros Occidental.

Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth receives an honorary plaque from members of the Department of Education Schools Division of Negros Occidental and school leadership of Banilad Elementary School after they sign a Memorandum of Understanding supporting the digital and functional literacy of the school.

This milestone marks a crucial step in addressing the challenges of digitalization and literacy in public schools through a collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. By bringing together the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking (KHC), the Department of Education, and Banilad Elementary School in EB Magalona, this project aims to improve the educational landscape for our elementary learners.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests and key partners during the ceremony held at the Banilad Elementary School: Division Office Representatives Dr. Enjenette D. Baroa (Assistant Schools Division Superintendent – North Negros) and Mr. Noli A. Mendoza (OIC-Administrative Officer V), representing Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine D. Sales, CESO V, District Supervisor Laila O. Fronda, Brgy. Captain Kenneth Pueblo, the local council BES faculty and staff led by Principal Albert Oliva and BES’ PTA officers. 

The agreement outlines a comprehensive, multi-phase approach to elevating education, especially literacy, at Banilad Elementary. The core objectives of the MOU include:

• Devices and Connectivity: Establishing a technology-integrated learning environment by providing the necessary infrastructure, laptops, and tablets for learners to develop digital skills and engage in interactive activities.

• Teacher Capacity Building: Ensuring Banilad Elementary teachers participate in professional development, specifically utilizing the Department of Education’s Khan Academy training to effectively transfer critical thinking skills to their students.

• Library Enhancement: Upgrading the physical resources of the existing school library, which includes structural enhancements and expanding its book collection.

• Functional and Digital Literacy: Providing one-on-one remedial reading comprehension tutorials for Grades 3 and 4 students, alongside basic digital literacy classes for the broader student body.

Students of Banilad Elementary School join the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding

Looking Ahead

KHC, BES, and DepEd will be closely monitoring the progress of students over a three-year period to track the impact of these interventions. Upon completion of the pilot, a comprehensive final paper will be produced to document the outcomes, providing a framework that can potentially be scaled as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with other public schools across the region.

Photos courtesy of Banilad Elementary School