By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
The National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), an attached agency of the Department of Education (DepEd), will hold the very First National Convention on Child-Friendly Television on November 21-23 in Manila.
(image courtesy of NCCT Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a memorandum that the conference is pursuant to Republic Act No. 8370 dubbed the Children’s Television Act of 1997 which mandates the NCCT to “promote and encourage the production and broadcast of developmentally-appropriate television programs for Filipino children.”
With theme, “Limitless Media Access and Content: Reshaping the Perception of the iGeneration,” the event aims to “determine the current state of the Filipino child” and “to discuss relevant and prevailing issues on media and children.”
Briones also noted that it is also the objective of the convention to “acknowledge and understand the importance and impact of media (traditional and new media) on the holistic development of the Filipino children.” Aside from encouraging the children as well as the youth “to promulgate meaningful television content by exposing them to quality documentaries,” the activity also aims to “celebrate local talent and child-friendly television programs.”
For each region, DepEd noted that a total of 15 participants are requested: five Grade 9 and Grade 10 high school students – preferably from the Special Program for the Arts section, Campus Journalism, Supreme Student Government or Organizational Officers and Grade 11 Senior High School Students from the Humanities and Social Sciences strand; five elementary and high school teachers; and five parents – preferably officers of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).
One highlight of the convention is the screening and awarding of NCCT’s video documentary contest titled, “DokyuBata: IsangPagdiriwangngDokumentaryongPantelebisyon Para saBatang Pilipino,” open to all public and private elementary and secondary school studentswith the theme: “Mental Health Matters: Promoting Awareness and Supportive Environments for the Well-Being of Children.”
Meanwhile, DepEd reminded concerned schools to submit the names of the participants to the convention to NCCT on or before October 26. Participants will be given free convention kits, admission, and meals. DepEd reminded that travel and accommodation expenses “shall be charged to local funds, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.”