Klaus Hoffarth Center opens its new home at the Peninsula Manila

Written by Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth

Dr. Victoria Bantug Hoffarth, Founder of the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking

The Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking was launched in 2025 in partnership with Miriam College in Quezon City. The organisation is inspired by the vision of using critical thinking as a vehicle to develop good governance in both the public and private sectors.

It is named after Dr. Klaus Hoffarth (ADB 1968 to 1989), who travelled throughout the Philippines and gained insight into the institutional weaknesses that prevented many Filipinos from accessing opportunities that might improve their quality of life. Through KHC, my son Paul and I hope to carry forward this shared vision of contributing to the development of formal institutions that might support the inclusive development of all Filipinos.

Championing Critical Thinking for Good Governance

We start with young children at school. The Philippines continues to face a learning crisis that prevents many children from acquiring a good education. Results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 showed that the Philippines was among the weakest in math, reading, and science, ranking 77th out of 81 countries. This crisis reflects deeper institutional challenges that constrain socioeconomic development. It underscores the need to cultivate questioning minds that can evaluate information and form good judgment, so necessary for participative citizenry.

It is with this urgent need that we continue to implement projects, initially with Miriam College on Teachers’ Training, then with DepEd North Negros Occidental for digitalisation of learning modules to leap-frog the inadequacies of public schools in rural areas. Currently, KHC is finalising a tripartite agreement with Rappler and Quezon City Mayor’s Office on Voter Empowerment, and with the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) on research-based workshops titled Advancing Critical Thinking in Public Service.

KHC’s work is guided by three pillars, namely, Information, Education, and Good Governance as described above. It implements both in-house projects and strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations in areas of literacy, teacher training, civic engagement, good governance, through workshops and TEDx talks, among others, to strengthen critical thinking and participatory citizenship.

Digital and Functional Literacy

Students at Banilad Elementary School using the laptops donated by KHC in their upgraded computer room

To address the critical decline of learning outcomes among the Filipino youth, KHC partnered with DepEd on a three-year pilot project that supports functional and digital literacy at Banilad Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Municipality, Negros Occidental Province. The initiative aims to upgrade the school’s library and computer facilities, engage teachers in training with Khan Academy, and provide digital and functional literacy training for pupils. If the project succeeds, it hopes to entice civic organisations to likewise “adopt” a public school, with the hope of improving the quality of their education.

KHC’s Journey Continues: Projects and Engagements

Artwork illustrating KHC's mission to champion critical thinking for good governance, pasted at the KHC Office in Makati City. Curated by Zoe Castro, Program Associate for Internal Affairs.

A New Chapter: KHC Finds its Home at the Peninsula Manila

KHC Advisory Council Members Teresa Ricafort Santos, Dr. Vicki Hoffarth, Former Secretary of Tourism Narzalina Z. Lim, Mian Alampay Arcega, and Professor Aron Jayson Garchitorena, with Mirma Mae Tica-Ortiz, Executive Director, Zoe Castro, Program Associate for Internal Affairs and Bianca Ferrer, Program Associate for External Affairs at the KHC Office in the Peninsula Manila

Since 2024 when KHC was originally established under the wing of Miriam College, it has transitioned into an independent organisation, reaffirming its commitment to championing critical thinking for good governance.

As part of this continuing mission, KHC opens its new home in the Peninsula Manila, Makati City. More than just a workspace, KHC will establish a resource centre for literature and reference materials related to critical thinking. The space will also be developed into a community hub for workshops, dialogues, talks, debates, podcasts, and other activities that build informed minds.

KHC’s Advisory Council is composed of Dr. Vicki Hoffarth, Paul Hoffarth, Ambassador Laura Quiambao-Del Rosario, Dr. Gunter Hecker, Former Secretary of Tourism Narzalina Z. Lim, Dr. Zeba Alam, Teresa Ricafort Santos, Mian Alampay Arcega, and Professor Aron Jayson Garchitorena. Drawing on rich expertise across various fields, the Advisory Council will guide the strategic direction of KHC’s work.

Driving KHC's next chapter forward is a dedicated team led by Executive Director Mirma Mae Tica-Ortiz, alongside Zoe Julianna Castro, Program Associate for Internal Affairs, and Bianca Alexine Ferrer, Program Associate for External Affairs.

Support KHC’s mission: Become a Friend of KHC:

Building informed, engaged, and empowered Filipino citizens is a collective endeavor. KHC invites civic organisations, government institutions, educators, advocates, and individuals to support its mission of empowering Filipinos to think critically, make informed decisions, and participate meaningfully in society.

Interested in learning more about KHC’s work or joining as a Friend of KHC? Visit klaushoffarthcriticalthinking.org