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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
The Philippines' largest and leading broadcast company GMA Network receives a grant from the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) to produce a high-quality program that promotes awareness on Filipino culture, social issues, and holistic development of the youth. GMA-7 is the sole broadcast company among the four qualified grantees to be awarded in the National Endowment Fund for Children's Television (NEFCTV) 2022 Grants Program.
GMA Network Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable highlights the common goal of the Network and NCCT, saying, “We are grateful to the NCCT for choosing GMA Network as partner in this worthwhile endeavor to help positively shape the youth and their future. This project of the NCCT is very much aligned with GMA's objective to produce programs that will help in the positive development of our young audience.” NCCT Executive Director III Desideria Mance Atienza, on the other hand, acknowledges the influence and credibility of the grantees, saying, “We are certain that this memorandum of agreement will further our advocacy for child-friendlier television. We understand the role of engaging our families, content creators, and citizens in building a community of child-friendly media advocates.” NEFCTV chose the theme of mental health and each content must be suitable for audiences aged 13 to 17 years old.
Through NEFCTV, the Kapuso Network proudly presents a child-friendly show entitled “OK AKO", a three-episode miniseries featuring light and heartwarming stories that deal with loss, anger, anxiety, bulimia, and depression. Airing on September 8, 15, and 22 at 2:30 pm on GMA-7, OK AKO features three stories of young people about the importance of talking about their true feelings and not being ashamed to share the struggles they are going through starring some of the talented and best talents of Sparkle GMA Artist Center. The story of "Sexuality, Identity and Self Love" features Pulang Araw teen star Aidan Veneracion and Sparkada members Savior Ramos and Vanessa Pena. Cath Gacote and Gil Macahis will also join the trio. Running Man Philippines stars Kokoy de Santos and Angel Guardian will star in "Hearts, Breaks and Heartbreaks" as well as promising actresses Tanya Ramos and Kirsten Gonzales. Meanwhile, the important topic of social media addiction will be discussed in "Lies, Likes and Life" where Shanelle Agustin, Keisha Serna, Valentina Pinci and Edward Bragasin will be seen with the special participation of Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay. Each episode of OK AKO every weekend is also heartwarming because of the spoken word poetry that can be heard from Mark Ghosn and Maimai Cantillano. This special limited series aims to expand the viewers' knowledge and understanding of how important it is to discuss and protect the mental health of young people.
Meanwhile, the other NEFCTV grantees also briefly explained their creative concepts such as “Tropa Peeps" of the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), “Lakbay Isip" of Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc. and “Friendship Puzzles" of The Lovelife Project for Health and Environment. “Ito ang una naming proyekto na magpo-produce kami ng isang child-sensitive television program. We aim to educate the children about their rights to be protected against sexual abuse and exploitation,” CPTCSA Executive Director Zeny Rosales mentioned. “We want to create a safe space for our audience. At the end of our episodes, may interactive activities wherein they can write their own diary and they can express themselves through drawings,” Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc. Company Manager Carmela Millado-Manuel added. “Friendship Puzzles is a light drama that tackles the phenomenon of children becoming more fragile due to social media. Naniniwala kami na ang mental health ay isang usapin na kailangang laging ilatag sa policy making and media programming,” The Lovelife Project for Health and Environment Creative Executive Producer Crisaldo Pablo stated.
NEFCTV is created under the NCCT, an attached agency of the Department of Education. It is mandated to encourage the creation and broadcast of programs for Filipino youth. To be eligible for the grant, organizations must have a proven track record, expertise in video production and broadcast of children's television programs, and must possess a firm commitment to the advancement of children's causes. Hence, OK AKO solidifies GMA Network's unwavering responsibility to produce world-class and meaningful entertainment programs with values and purpose.
