Recognizing the importance and the effectiveness of films and documentaries as learning resources, the Department of Education (DepEd) is planning to create a DepEd TV History Channel that will air films and documentaries featuring Philippine and World History.
This move, DepEd said on Wednesday, June 23, aims to nurture the historical awareness of Filipino learners, teachers, parents, and the general public.
“The creation of the DepEd TV History Channel will make these materials widely accessible to learners and teachers,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.
“We, in the Department, are glad to contribute to the vibrant history and identity of the Filipinos,” she added.
The DepEd TV History Channel will be spearheaded by the Office of Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) in coordination with the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction (OUCI) for review and development of the materials.
“The ideas and views that the learners may form after watching DepEd TV History Channel serve as their stimulus in improving their conditions and circumstances, in fighting for their rights, in upholding their nationalist aspirations, and in thriving in multi-culturalist societies around the globe,” Pascua explained.
DepEd said that the initial line-up will be composed of “existing historical video materials” that have been previously shown to the public.
Likewise, DepEd may also produce other content in partnership with other filmmakers.
The historical films and documentaries will be available online through DepEd Commons, DepEd TV YouTube, and soon on DepEd EdFlix, a platform for educational videos and lessons on demand.
It will also feature lessons provided by history teachers that will pass the review of the Curriculum and Instruction strand.
Meanwhile, Pascua also recognized that the creation of the DepEd TV History Channel can be a platform to showcase and cultivate local talents.
“We can also start filmmaking workshops and contests that will produce historical films made by local filmmakers,” Pascua said. “This is an excellent opportunity for the education sector and the film industry to work together,” he added.
The contents for the DepEd TV History Channel will follow the guidelines of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The viewing hours, time, and schedule of programs, DepEd said, will also consider the age and grade level of the viewers.
Meanwhile, DepEd assured that the time slot for the airing of DepEd TV “would not interfere and will be asynchronous” to the time slot of DepEd History Channel as DepEd TV is strictly for curriculum-based episodes.
“However, a more flexible viewing schedule will be possible when two channels become available,” it added.