WHEN STARS HELP TEACH CHILDREN

15 Years of Educational Television

     It is an image that would always be part of any young mid-90s student – Christine Bersola (now Babao)” in her hot pink vest and helmet and yellow tights as she and her team get ready to “investigate” in the name of science. Playing Anatom in the daily science show Sine’skwela from 1994-1998, Tintin made it easy for many kids to understand the circulatory system, matter and a gamut of lessons in science creatively explained through songs, skits and attractive visuals. It is proven that when concepts are taught through ETV or educational television, children have a better comprehension and retention of the lessons by 25%. As for ETV, not only the lessons were remembered by its viewers but even its theme songs. It comes as no surprise that today’s yuppies or GenXers can easily sing “Tayo na sa Sine’skwela, , tuklasin natin ang siyensya, buksan ang pagiisip tayo ay likas na scientist” with music written by the maestro Ryan Cayabyab himself. To this day, the charm of Sine’skwela continues to draw a steady stream of viewers, young and old.

     When educational programs like Sineskwela, Math-Tinik, Bayani and Hirayamanawari aired regularly in the early 2000s, the ABS-CBN Foundation, producer of the programs, not only had a steady supply of curriculum-based scripts that were produced under deep scrutiny of the Department of Education, but a roster or actors that were ready to play characters in the ETV shows mainly as part of their public service. Actors like Eric Quizon, Ronnie Lazaro, Anita Linda, Cherry Pie Picache and even the late Francis Magalona were immortalized in episodes of Bayani where they played the roles of Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Mother Ignacia and Aurelio Tolentino. It is no doubt that the excellent performance of these seasoned talents made the story of each hero believable and interesting to a generation of students who otherwise found the study of history and martyrs such a bore.

     Other ETV programs went on air and for years enjoyed a fair amount of following and decent ratings like Pahina, with popular teen actor Carlo Aquino as the lead character Balt and then newcomer Dianne de la Fuente (Mithi). Each episode revolved around a Filipino literary masterpiece with lessons that teach the two on how to cope to life as teenagers. Because the two are musically gifted, the show was able to present poems, essays and stories in unconventional ways. They sang, they rapped, played instruments and made the study of literature hip and easy to digest. Very much like what Epi Quizon and Arvin “Tado” Jimenez did to Art Jam. Both being visual artists and funnymen, they made art projects fun, practical and easy to make.

     While the ETV shows have proven for more than a decade its positive impact on millions of children, it continues to be an uphill climb for its producers. An episode does not come cheap, so does airtime. To guarantee the daily airing of one ETV program for one school year amounts to millions. With the ABS-CBN Foundation having the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network as its mother company, it seems like half the battle is won, sadly it isn’t, because the process does not begin and end in the producing and airing of the shows. The reality is, bulk of the cost goes to research, content development, monitoring and evaluation of the programs. It is important for ETV to be assured that what it is teaching is accurate, relevant and understood. Sadly, funds for these activities come from public donations and it has dwindled sharply since the recession. But the morale remains high for most of the foundation employees for it has seen far worst situations for it to loose heart and declare a “pack up”. As it celebrates its 15th year, it renews its commitment to utilize the power, reach and creativity of its media resource in service of its young audiences. For as long as there are actors who are ready and willing to share their time and talent, the programs will keep airing and as the public continue to support and share the responsibility of making educational shows accessible, there will always be opportunities for children to enjoy the benefits of educational television ... one ETV show at a time.

THE ROAD LEAST TAKEN

The courage to bring hope to children in Basilan

            The road to Tipo-Tipo, is serene. Surrounded by thick foliage, one enjoys a nature trip made more pleasing by the endless chirping of birds and the sweet scent of earth that had its first kiss of rain. It is hard to imagine that this quaint town in the southern part of Basilan is hardly known for its small town charm but rather, as a center of kidnappings and as a dumping ground for beheaded men.  Reality is, beyond its tarnished image as a chaotic battle ground is a community of peace-loving people. They are no different from most of us. Locals welcome strangers like long lost relatives and offer their own kind of hospitality and friendship. They are a happy bunch, in good spirits despite years of being in the   midst of crossfire between the military and rebels and endless cycles of evacuation and homecoming …and more evacuation.

            It has been a long time dream for the ABS-CBN Foundation to bring its Educational Television Campaign to Tipo-Tipo. After making educational programs like Sine’skwela and Math Tinik accessible in the classrooms of 8,000 schools, people behind the campaign often wondered if it will ever have the chance of sharing the benefits of media-assisted instruction to the thousands of children who have experienced some of the worst of conflicts the country has seen. Children who are displaced every time there are threats of encounters, children who give up their schools so these can be converted into shelters  for evacuees, children  who look at air strikes and listen to gun fires as if they were all part of a fantastic action movie unfolding. We have longed dreamed of serving them, for nowhere in the country can our work have more sense and worth than to a place that needs it most.  But issues of security prevented the campaign from reaching the shores of Basilan. That is until now.   

            Our journey in Basilan begins at the port of Isabela City. In contrast to Tipo-tipo, Isabela, located at the province’s northern shore, is bursting with activity. If the presence of Jollibee, a department store, videoke bars and a bowling center is an indication progress, then Isabela is as dynamic as any modern town in Mindanao.  Early in the day, our truck filled to the brim, with a banner declaring “Alay sa Batang Basileño”  found its way from a cargo vessel to the parking lot of the Division Office of the Department of Education where teachers from as far as Tipo-Tipo, Lantawan,  Sumisip and Maluso await to catch a glimpse of goodies enough for 10,000 students shipped for free  by Superferry all the way from Manila. The National Bookstore Foundation generously shared more than a hundred boxes of school supplies as part of their “Project Aral” campaign, an anonymous couple and friends sent thousands of crayons, Cleene gave toothbrushes and an Indian dentist based in Dubai donated a complete ETV video library for four schools. This donor came to know about the need in Basilan though the Adopt Your Hometown School campaign promoted over the The Filipino Channel.  So moved by the plight of the children, he committed to donate his professional fees in the coming months so that another six schools in Basilan can receive their own video libraries soon. 

            The day’s highlight was a teacher orientation on Educational Television (ETV) utilization by Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam “Dedeth” Suacito together with A.I.M. Team Energy consultant Michael Juan. Having participated in countless civic missions in Basilan, the two volunteered to train the teachers and document the 2-day mission in Isabela and Tipo-Tipo. During the orientation, they taught teachers how to use close to 500 episodes of ETV shows (Sine’skwela, Math Tinik, Bayani, Hirayamanawari and Epol Apple) as part of class discussions of lessons. The new techniques and technology were well received. The teachers could hardly believe that it has just been a few weeks since they paid the foundation a visit to appeal for educational reference materials. To their minds, putting education at the center of the community is the key to lasting peace in Tipo-Tipo, “We want our children aspire for excellence and not for a life in the mountains. It is when they are able to realize that education will open doors of opportunities to improve life will they become less likely to be drawn to extreme ideologies.”  Now, a whole truckload is right before their eyes, ready to be brought back to their schools. “We are very happy for the school supplies and thankful that ETV is now available to us because this will help motivate our students to learn and regularly attend their classes.”

            The mission continued the following day in Tipo –Tipo with a huge crowd at Badja Elementary School. Children lined up to receive new notebooks, pens, pad papers and other supplies while four principals from barangays  Banah,  Badja,  Bohelebung  and  Tipo-Tipo  each received a TV set and DVD player from Mayor Ingatun Istarul so they will be able to use the video materials that were donated to their schools. It was like Christmas in July. The distribution ended by mid-afternoon.

            As we pack our bags to head back home, we thank the entire community for making our visit safe and memorable.  The truck, now empty, represents the accomplished work of the E-Media Program, its donors and partners.  To them, we brought not only material gifts but the feeling that we sincerely care about their town and children, that they deserve no less and look at them not as mere site of a headline or a breaking news.  For us, we bring a feeling of peace and contentment knowing that we have been instruments of hope for thousands of children, a feeling that will linger in our hearts for a long time, for it is in Tipo-Tipo where we ourselves found renewed purpose and have felt the true meaning of being in the service of the Filipino.

A ROADMAP TO EXCELLENCE

Region 8’s journey and transformation

It is a region that went through its roughest times in recent years. From landslides that buried entire baranggays, to super typhoons and flash floods that wiped out hectares of crops and houses, tragedy after tragedy, one calamity after the next, the people were left with a ravaged community, but not a broken spirit. As the Warays and Leyteños grieved their loss, life went on. With dignity they started to rebuild and chose to rise above the trials with a firm resolve that everything that has passed was just part of a journey to unite them as a people and bring out the best in every person. Their darkest time proved to be their finest hour. Among the most affected in times of calamities were students from public elementary schools. As schools were converted into evacuation centers, classes were suspended for long periods, leaving students amiss in their lessons. For Region 8, the stakes are higher because not only do students need make up for loss weeks or even months, but the pressure to make good in the National Achievement Test (NAT) is real. The region has been topping the NAT since 2001. How is it possible that a region that is considered to be among the country’s least developed be at the forefront in educational brilliance? DepEd Regional Director, Dr. Sol F. Matugas serves as a tour guide through the region’s roadmap to excellence.

Setting directions

The goal is clear: academic excellence. When Dr. Matugas took over in 2001, she had a clear picture of what she wanted and more importantly, what needs to be done. First on her agenda was the formulation of a vision that she shared with people who will work with her through the completion of her term. Her team comprised of the regional office personnel, division officials, parents and stakeholders of the community. “Human capital is very important,” she said. “It is important for me to know the level of understanding of people - who needs training, who needs assistance- so when we work together, they would be able to group themselves based on the level of training they previously had. It will also help me identify the kind of training I need to provide them. We should move like an orchestra. When I give them the signal, they will move with grace, harmony, order and focus”.

Matugas’ strategy involves mapping out the strong and weak areas of the region then tailoring corrective measures for each area. She also emphasized the need to nurture her team’s commitment and passion to excellence. “You will not hear anyone here saying, I work because the director wants me to work, the passion for excellence is now part of their way of life, it’s already in their system. From the teachers to the parents to everybody here in this region, excellence is the word.”

Taking a new road

It is the partnership between DepEd Region 8 and the E-Media Program of the ABS-CBN Foundation that gave Matugas the opportunity to introduce television-assisted instruction to her school heads and teachers. Aware of the benefits ETV made on students from her previous post, she fully endorsed ETV’s implementation to the various divisions in the region. “Maganda ang ETV, it is so attractive to the kids. They become more interested in their lessons and are challenged to study even more. We make sure that the children have time to view them in their classes. In this age of information, ETV must be enhanced and expanded,” shared Matugas.

Camping at the peak

Dr. Matugas is determined to maintain the level of academic excellence in the schools of Region 8.  Despite having enjoyed top ranking for several years, it is her goal for the region to increase the region’s mean percentage score (MPS). Her goal is to hit the 90% level.  “Hindi masyado marami ang schools that are now within that level. Most are average, and we still have very few low performing ones.  The plan is to put all schools in the mastery level.  We’re now raising the bar of performance.”

Dr. Matugas wishes to employ the use of the Internet and ETV in all schools to keep up with the trends in communication and information.  “I pray and hope that ETV will stay and will be expanded in the years to come for the sake of the Filipino child.  The Filipino child deserves our attention, our love and  ETV must be there.”     

Like schools in Region 8, ETV is now in 8,000 public elementary schools nationwide.  Schools with ETV are equipped with close to 500 episodes of educational programs in Science, Mathematics, English, History, and Values Education. The ETV package comes with a TV set and a DVD player. Each set comes with a Teacher Training disc so teachers will be guided in the proper implementation of ETV in their classes.  An ETV package may be donated by private corporations, LGUs and  individuals who wish to provide a public school access  to an  educational  television video library.

For inquiries on how you can help ABS-CBN Foundation’s E-Media Program, call 415-6296, e-mail adopt@abs-cbn.com or visit the adopt your-hometown-school page