Philippines joins UNESCO initiative on public digital learning

The Philippines has joined the UNESCO-UNICEF Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative, giving the country access to an international network that supports the development of public digital learning platforms, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis announced Friday.

Agrupis made the announcement during the Transforming Education Summit +4 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, where education ministers and officials from UNESCO, UNICEF, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) gathered to discuss digital learning initiatives.

Launched in 2022, the Gateways Initiative helps member countries develop and strengthen public digital learning platforms. Membership is voluntary and provides participating countries access to technical assistance and collaboration with more than 30 member states.

“The Philippines consistently ranks among the world’s most digitally engaged societies,” Agrupis said.

She noted that while many Filipinos, particularly young people, are active online, the challenge is ensuring digital connectivity translates into better learning outcomes.

“The more important question is not how connected learners are, but how effectively that connectivity supports learning,” she said.

According to CHED, the country oversees more than 2,300 higher education institutions spread across an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, making digital learning an important tool for expanding access to education.

The commission cited ongoing initiatives such as expanding fiber and satellite internet to remote campuses, providing Smart Campus grants, training faculty to use artificial intelligence and digital tools in teaching, and offering free digital libraries for students and researchers.

Agrupis said the Philippines hopes to learn from other member countries on developing and governing high-quality public digital learning content.

“As we join the Gateways Initiative, we hope to learn how member states curate and govern high-quality public digital learning content, and ensure that digital platforms remain responsive to curriculum reforms and learner needs,” she said.

She added that CHED also aims to learn how other countries evaluate whether investments in digital education improve learning outcomes.

CHED said the partnership is expected to help expand digital learning opportunities for students and educators, particularly in remote and underserved areas, while strengthening collaboration with government agencies, higher education institutions, and private sector partners. —VBL, GMA News