Inside the Centennial Auditorium of Jose Rizal University, under the glow of a single spotlight, an array of plaques and tokens stood proudly — tangible symbols of gratitude for a school year well done. They awaited the top implementing institutions and individuals of Khan Academy Philippines who — through resilience, innovation, and a belief in the Khan Academy’s mission — had earned their moment of recognition.
Since its founding in the Philippines in 2023, Khan Academy PH has championed a simple but profound idea: that every Filipino student deserves access to a world-class education, free and within reach.
Rooted in the global platform created by educator Salman Khan in 2008, Khan Academy has grown into a trusted learning companion for millions throughout the world, offering lessons in math, finance, history, art, and more through bite-sized videos, step-by-step exercises, and real-time progress tracking.
In the Philippines, thanks to the vision of Atty. Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine and Dumaguete’s own Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, Khan Academy’s online content was carefully aligned with the Department of Education curriculum.
Thirty-four pioneering schools — including West City Elementary School, Foundation University, Holy Cross High School, Saint Louis School of Don Bosco Dumaguete, Silliman University, and St. Paul University Dumaguete — took a leap of faith.
A year later, that leap has become a movement.
From 34 pilot schools, Khan Academy PH has expanded into 1,500 schools across 15 regions throughout the country. Students and teachers committed to at least 30 minutes of active learning on the platform each week — an investment that, according to research, leads to measurable growth in foundational skills.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
At its heart, Khan Academy PH is about nurturing a growth mindset, empowering students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and realize that intelligence is not fixed, but developed. Teachers were trained not just to use technology, but to humanize it — guiding students with compassion and innovation in an evolving educational landscape.
Khan Academy PH recently held its annual End-of-School Year Awards, a fitting celebration of a historic year by honoring the institutions and individuals who continue to make its vision a reality. The winners:
Growth Mindset
For teachers who best exemplify resilience and determination in fostering student growth on the platform: Mary Rose Tiquis (Mataasnakahoy National High School, Region IV-A), Szanta Mae Alejado (Dumaguete City National High School, ), Rex Sario (Balogo Elementary School, Region X)
Driver of Innovation
For teachers who creatively integrate Khan Academy into their teaching through inventive strategies:Jhesa Baisa Tiamzon (Amucao National High School, Region III), Ryan Rey Viliran (West City Elementary School), Darwin Jay Getuaban (Magpet National High School, Region XI)
Community Collaboration
For schools or communities that demonstrate exceptional collaboration with Khan Academy to support learning: Caloocan National Science & Technology High School (NCR), Carrascal National High School (Caraga), DepEd Bohol, DepEd Region X
Student of the Year
For top students based on learning minutes and proficiency: Gab Ezekiel Monta (Sun Valley Elementary School, NCR), Chuck Miguel Alabastro (West City Elementary School), Princess Anica Aquino (Agusan del Sur National High School, Caraga)
Educator of the Year
For teachers whose students show the most improvement in engagement and mastery: Dennis Ricalde (Pambisan Munti Elementary School, Region IV-B), Glena Marie Viliran (West City Elementary School), Rabel Pacatang (Sgt. Miguel Canoy Memorial Central School, Region X)
Team of the Year
For the school with the highest collective student engagement and progress at the end of the School Year: Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School (NCR), Naujan Municipal High School (Region IV-B), West City Elementary School.
The awards are more than just accolades; they are a recognition that change is possible — that a nation’s educational future can be rewritten not through massive overhauls, but by empowering communities, investing in teachers, and providing essential support to students.
Every plaque, every token, stands as proof that transformation begins with belief and commitment.
In a country where access to quality education has too often been a privilege rather than a right, Khan Academy PH offers a glimpse of a new era, one where learning becomes a lifelong adventure, and every student holds the tools to shape their own future. With a bold vision of reaching one million Filipino students by 2026, Khan Academy PH is lighting the way toward a more inclusive and empowered tomorrow.
The spotlight may have dimmed at the Centennial Auditorium, but for Khan Academy PH and its growing family of learners, the future shines brighter than ever — illuminated by the dreams they dare to chase, and the singular belief that together, we KHAN do it!
Schools interested in partnering with Khan Academy Philippines may contact Lea Janice Sicat-Reyes, Engagement & Implementation officer for the Visayas at lea@khanacademyphilippines.org. (PR)
