Bridging learning gaps with ‘High Touch, High Tech’ learning in PH

Every October, we celebrate National Teachers’ Month to recognize educators' vital role in shaping futures. A recent pilot of Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX Digital Education in public elementary schools in San Marcelino, Zambales, demonstrates that with the right support, teachers can help most, if not all, young Filipino learners perform at grade level or better.

The local government of San Marcelino, Department of Education Zambales, Sta. Cruz Solar Energy Inc., Huawei, the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, and the Education Development Center are all working in partnership with Ayala Foundation to implement a program called CENTEX Digital Education. It provides intensive teacher upskilling, quality digital education resources, and technical and evaluation expertise. Collaborations such as these demonstrate how local and international partners can work together for successful long-term education reform. 

CENTEX Digital Education, the Philippine version of the High Touch, High Tech global education movement, not only gives teachers new tools but also builds on new ways of teaching. The initiative pairs intensive teacher training (High Touch) with Khan Academy Philippines, an adaptive, digital learning platform that has been tailored to the official DepEd curriculum (High Tech). The program equips classrooms with the tools and strategies to make instruction individualized, data-driven, and more engaging.

A pilot in San Marcelino, Zambales, included mathematics instruction in nine schools, or half of the public elementary schools in the municipality, covering more than 1,600 learners in Grades 4 to 6. Teachers received training on differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and how to interpret student performance data in real time. Classrooms were outfitted with tablets and Starlink-powered internet to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, even in remote areas.

The findings of the third-party evaluation are striking. According to the Global Education Development Center, with researchers from the University of Illinois and the University of Glasgow assigned to carry out the CENTEX Digital evaluation, students who were included in the pilot more than doubled their performance in just 12 weeks, increasing their math scores from an average of 27 percent to 56 percent. Learning gains are equivalent to almost four additional months of schooling—an unprecedented leap in such a short time.

“There is a huge significance in learning if teacher and technology are combined,” said Joy Romera of San Rafael Elementary School, one of the pilot campuses. 

For Myla Romualdo of Sta. Fe Elementary School, the key is balance: “While digital tools can make lessons more interactive and accessible, they are most effective when paired with the teacher’s guidance and personal connection with learners.”

Other teachers from pilot locations highlighted several practical benefits. Rassel Fogata of Pili Elementary School explained, “HTHT (high touch, high tech learning) can help a lot in education where teachers can easily collect data for future purposes, such as changes in the instructional design and provision of differentiated activities for learners.”

The program has provided many students, including those from indigenous communities, with their first experience with digital learning. For the first time, learners in rural Zambales logged into Khan Academy Philippines, used adaptive exercises, and tracked their own progress—experiences that would have been unthinkable just a year ago.

And behind the numbers are teachers who have embraced change with dedication and creativity. Angelica Artillera of Nagbunga Integrated School is keen to explore it further, “I realized that technology is most effective when paired with meaningful, hands-on activities and teacher guidance. Marami pa akong gustong matutuhan sa HTHT.”

Local leaders also recognize the promise of these changes. 

“As a son of San Marcelino Zambales, I have seen the dreams of our children often limited not by their talent, but by the tools and opportunities around them,” said Mayor Elvis Soria. 

“CENTEX Digital Education—High Touch High Tech gives them a fighting chance, bringing the world’s knowledge to their fingertips, while still keeping the heart of every lesson close to home. For me, this is more than technology; it is hope, it is equity, and it is love for the next generation.”

These very promising learning outcomes are made possible by multi-organizational collaborative programs that demonstrate how local and international partners can work together for successful education reform.

Ayala Foundation echoes this vision. 

“CENTEX Digital shows what is possible when DepEd, local governments, and partners come together with a shared vision: to improve learning outcomes by giving every DepEd teacher and student the most effective, efficient, and evidence-based support. Building our human capital is an investment in the country’s future,” said Tony Lambino, president of Ayala Foundation.

While CENTEX Digital currently focuses on upper elementary levels, Ayala Foundation is also looking ahead to younger learners. Through CENTEX Early Grades pilot implementations in Lamitan City, Basilan, and El Nido, Palawan, the Foundation is working with local governments and other partners to strengthen literacy and numeracy foundations together with social and emotional learning, ensuring that pre-K teaching and learning administered by LGUs connect more seamlessly to Kindergarten offered in DepEd schools. The goal is to give our youngest learners a leg up in terms of Grade 1 readiness in numeracy and literacy, setting them up for success on their long-term educational journeys. 

As the classroom evolves in the digital age, one timeless truth remains: Teachers who foster collaboration and a strong learning community create conditions for students to thrive. By blending global best practices with strong local partnerships, CENTEX Digital Education is a promising program that can transform how teachers teach and how students learn.

This October, Ayala Foundation honors educators everywhere—innovators whose creativity, compassion, and adaptability ensure that every child is given the chance to succeed.

In celebration of National Teachers’ Month, Ayala Foundation extends its gratitude to educators beyond the classroom. From Sept. 9 to Oct. 31, all teachers enjoy free admission to Ayala Museum, with discounted entry for their companions. Limited free day pass slots are also available at the Filipinas Heritage Library, subject to availability. Pre-booking is required. 

This initiative is a symbolic recognition of teachers not only as mentors in schools, but also as stewards of the nation’s culture, creativity, and history.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Ayala Foundation.