The Department of Broadcast Communication (DBC) of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Mass Communication (CMC) will kick off the commemoration of 70 years of television in the Philippines with a roundtable discussion on children’s television at the CMC Auditorium, March 30.
“‘Pag mulát ang Mata: A Colloquium on Children’s Television in the Philippines” seeks to generate discussions on the challenges of producing children’s television content in the country, and to inspire interest in students and teachers about the importance of children’s media content, especially on television, and begin conversations on new ways of approaching uplifting and enlightening content for children,” the UP DBC said.
The discussion will feature the experiences and insights of multi-awarded producers and advocates of children’s television and children’s content in general. The speakers include Augie Rivera, multi-awarded Palanca author of children’s books; Dr. Ruby Roan-Cristobal, Chief Science Research Specialist at the Department of Science and Technology and host of DZRH’s “Radyo Henyo”; and Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Chairperson of Child Development Specialists Sector of the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) and Palanca Hall of Famer.
The landscape of children’s television in the Philippines has undergone significant changes over the years, according to the UP DBC. Local channels used to feature a variety of children’s shows, including educational programs and animated series, as well as variety and gag shows like “Uncle Bob’s Lucky 7 Club” and “Kaluskos Musmos.” After Martial Law, the country witnessed a surge in locally-produced live-action shows for children, led by “Batibot” and the Knowledge Channel’s “Epol Apple,” “Wansapanataym,” “Bayani,” and “Sineskwela.”
However, today’s young audience has turned away from traditional television and embraced streaming services. A 2018 study sponsored by the NCCT found that kids in grades 1-3 are highly skilled at navigating and consuming online content, regardless of whether it’s specifically targeted at children or not.
The roundtable discussion will also be streamed live on DZUP’s YouTube page.
Educators, researchers, students, and the general public can expect more activities from the UP DBC this 2023 for the year-long celebration of Philippine TV’s 70th anniversary.