Attached is an Aide Memoire from DepEd Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua on the need for DepEd TV History Channel.
Table of Contents
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
History becomes the strong foundation of future generations if it is delicately recorded and documented, accurately interpreted, properly saved, and preserved.
By conserving and safeguarding authentic and meaningful documents, artifacts, images, stories, and places, the young ones find a strong guide and basis on how to lead their own lives as part of society. History enables them to build on the inspirations shown by previous special and notable men and women who have come before them. In short, history helps a nation of people dream of a better life for themselves.
Aside from textbooks, historical films that are creatively presented and based on true accounts shape the way viewers think, analyze and draw insights from the past. In a study of how 15 families discussed historical understanding of the Philippine Revolution, children and parents spontaneously narrated excerpts and scenes they saw from the movies they watched. For instance, both the young and the old related episodes in the film ‘Heneral Luna’ in particular, as they shared their knowledge on how the country achieved its freedom and independence. They also expressed pride in the courage of Filipino heroes who were portrayed in the film.
THE NEED FOR DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
The Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes the importance of films and motion pictures as highly effective learning tools for Filipino students as they study history.
There is a need for learners to discover who they are as citizens of a nation, as descendants of noble warriors and independence fighters, and as custodians of a rich heritage.
Through the DepEd TV History Channel, teachers, students, and everyone who has access to it are able to sharpen their focus on ‘historical lenses’ as they look into turning points in the Philippine democracy and world events. In turn, the viewpoints that they 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.
DepEd, with its mandate, capability, and resources, is in a pivotal position to launch a television channel that will be called The channel will solely be devoted to memorable events and unforgettable stories of the Filipino forefathers, who played vital roles in changing the country’s history.
THE NEED TO RUN A HISTORY CHANNEL IN DEPED TV
For Identity. History films nurture personal and collective identity in a diverse world. People discover their places in time through stories of their families, communities, and nation. The stories on freedom, equality, injustice, struggle, loss, achievement, courage, and triumph form people’s values that guide them through life.
For Critical Thinking. Historical thinking requires critical approaches to evidence and argument. It develops contextual understanding and historical perspective by encouraging meaningful engagement with concepts like continuity, change, and causation. It helps viewers interpret and communicate complex ideas clearly and coherently.
For Vibrancy of the People. History is the factor in having strong and lively communities. A place becomes a comforting zone when it is wrapped in the residents’ memories as told through family stories, tribal traditions, and civic commemorations.
For Economic Development. Towns and cities with institutions that promote heritage attract talents, increase tourism revenues, enhance business development, and boost local economies.
For Engaged Citizenry. History films help people look forward to a better future. Democracy thrives when individuals convene to express opinions, listen to others, and take action. Weaving history into talks about contemporary issues clarifies differing perspectives and misperceptions, reveals complexities, accepts competing views, and introduces new ideas. These conditions lead to a greater understanding of one another.
For Leadership. History films can provide role models for the youth as they navigate through the intricacies of modern life. The experiences of persons from the past can serve as a compass to contemporary leaders and help them clarify their values and ideals.
For Education. There is history in every field and topic, from medicine to music and the arts. It is necessary to know and understand history. Motion pictures make this process entertaining as knowledge is delivered to viewers.
TARGET AUDIENCE OF THE DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
The programming of DepEd TV History Channel is geared towards the learners, parents, teachers, and the general public. DepEd’s use of a separate channel for history has several advantages.
Some of them are:
- The unprecedented breadth and depth of historical research made possible by DepEd’s large pool of history teachers and scholars.
- Aside from DepEd TV History Channel, millions of viewers can also be reached through DepEd’s online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
CONTENTS OF DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
Historical films and documentaries will be shown on DepEd TV Historical Channel. The materials for broadcast will be approved by the Department. The contents will also be made available online through the DepEd Commons, DepEd TV YouTube, and the future DepEd EdFlix, a Netflix-like user interface of video on demand, lessons on demand, or even historical films on demand.
The lessons given by history teachers will also be featured on the channel. Moreover, online class activities that are related to history will also be broadcast.
Here is the sample of initial line-up of films and documentaries that may air on DepEd TV History Channel:
- Existing Historical Films – contents that are already made and previously shown to the public. These movies or documentaries are usually licensed.
| Film / Documentary | Producer/Director |
|---|---|
| Rizal | Marilou Diaz |
| Dapitan | Ticoy Aguiluz |
| Bayaning 3rd World | Mike De Leon |
| Noli Me Tangere | Jerry De Leon |
| El Filibusterismo / Sacay | Raymond Red |
| Oro Plata Mata | Peque Gallaga |
| Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon | Eddie Romero |
| Hari sa Hari, Lahi sa Lahi | Eddie Romero |
| Heneral Luna | Jerrold Tarog |
| Mga Balangiga | Abner Mercado |
| The Last Emperor | Bernardo Bertulucci |
| 1917 | Sam Mendez |
| Quezon’s Game | Matthew E. Rosen |
| Laurence of Arabia | David Lin |
| Bayani | Raymond Red |
| Culion | Alvin Yapan |
| Minsa’y I sang Gamu-gamo | Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara |
| Himala | Ishmael Bernal |
| Batch ‘81 | Mike De Leon |
| The Moises Padilla Story | Gerardo de Leon |
| Noli Me Tangere (1961) El Filibusterismo (1962) | Gerardo de Leon |
| Balangiga: Howling Wilderness | Khavn de La Cruz |
2. DepEd TV Originals – contents that may be produced by DepEd and other filmmakers.
| Category | Idea/ Sample |
|---|---|
| Biographies of notable Filipino people We can also feature the unknown or local heroes, leaders, or persons who have great contributions that are worth telling. | Story of Trinidad Tecson: Ina ng Biak na Bato and Mother of the Philippine Red Cross Series of Heroes: Lapu Lapu, Bonifacio, Juan Luna, Gabriela Silang, among others. As a supplement to the documentary, we have a stand-alone feature of commissioned illustrators doing actual and factual renditions of portraits and body profiles of these historical personalities, to be used for teaching, display, and archive. There can also be a 3D sculpture, which can be viewed online using an augmented reality mobile application. And eventually, a hologram and even a wax version are also planned. |
| Documentaries on historical sites This Is Where It Happened’ features accompanied by virtual tours. | Unang Tahanan: Mga Bahay ng mga naging Pangulo ng Pilipinas Gusaling Gabaldon: The Construction of Gabaldon Schoolhouses in the Philippines This is both a historical and geographical profiling of the birthplaces of our nation’s presidents. We will answer the question ‘How do a household and its environment nurture and mold a future leader?’ Sample Features: Diosdado Macapagal’s Kubo in Lubao, Carlo Garcia’s residence in Bohol, Elpidio Quirino’s ancestral house in Ilocos, and Jose Laurel’s home in Paco, Manila. |
| Profile of Filipino Musicians | Many of the familiar folk tunes such as ‘Leron Leron Sinta’ and ‘Bahay Kubo’ motivated Filipino composers to create masterpieces that defined world-class Filipino Music. Through this documentary series, we will get to know noted Filipino traditional composers namely: Francisco Buencamino Sr. (Harana, Pandanggo ni Neneng, Ang Bagong Balitaw, Himig ng Nayon, Pizzicato Caprice) Francisco Santiago, ‘Father of Kundiman’ (Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Hibik ng Pilipinas, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, Kundiman, Anak Dalita) Nicanor Abelardo (Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan ka Irog, Magbalik ka Hirang) Other well-known composers whose lives can be profiled are the awardees of the National Artist for Music. |
| Significant Events | Victory of Lapulapu The Fall of Bataan Declaration of Martial Law EDSA Revolution Mt. Pinatubo Eruption ‘President’s Last Days’ aims to tell stories on how the country’s former leaders passed away. ‘Reason Behind the Holiday’ seeks to educate viewers on the importance of holidays in the Philippines. |
| Making Historical Interstitials | Filipinas as Ms. Universe Champions Manny Pacquaio (World Boxing Champion) The aim of this series is to introduce Filipinos who excelled in their fields and who are considered the Philippines’ pride. |
| Origins | Documentaries on how Filipino specialties and products were discovered or developed: Origin of Filipino Food like Adobo Origin of the Philippine Jeepney Origin of the Philippine National Anthem |
| Issues on Philippine History | Features on different claims and interpretations that have been the root of curiosity in our history Features on new discoveries and fresh interpretations of history such as: ‘Mystery of Bonifacio’s Cry’ wherein there were supposedly five different places and dates where Bonifacio’s famous ‘cry’ took place First Mass (Limasawa or Butuan?). ‘First Man to Circle the Globe’ where we can learn that the first man to navigate the globe was Sebastian Elcano and not Ferdinand Magellan. |
PROCESS IN DECIDING THE CONTENTS OF THE DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
Existing historical films that have already been shown to the public will undergo the review and evaluation of the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR) and the DepEd TV Technical Team. DepEd will also produce films and documentaries for the DepEd TV History Channel.
The review and production of films will be jointly undertaken by the Curriculum and Instruction and Administration Strands.
Here are what can be initially expected from the DepEd TV History Channel:
- Showing of Existing Historical Films
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | Existing historical films will be reviewed and evaluated by the Bureau of Learning Resources and the DepEd TV Technical Team. |
| Ready-made films from partner agencies such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCP) will also be accepted and will undergo review. | |
| Negotiation | If the proposed film follows the guidelines of MTRCB and DepEd TV, DepEd TV will negotiate with the producer for a possible partnership. |
| Distribution | If the producer of the historical film agrees with DepEd, the movie will be scheduled for airing. It will also be promoted on different platforms of DepEd. Finally, the film will be broadcast on DepEd TV History Channel. |
2. Producing a film/documentary for DepEd TV Originals
| Steps | Description |
| Development: Story Pitching and Crafting of Criteria for Shortlisting | DepEd will accept stories and ideas from filmmakers, from different individuals, agencies, organizations, and productions companies. This will cover the groundwork to show what the project will be and how much it will cost to produce it. Script and storyboard should be created if the story or idea has been noted to have ‘potential content’ for the DepEd TV History Channel. |
| Development: Approval of Script and Storyboard | Includes revision and finalization of the script and storyboard. If the material passes the guidelines and standards by the Bureau of Learning Resources and DepEd TV Technical Team, the filmmaker proceeds to pre-production. |
| Pre-production | Pre-production is where scripts are amended, budgets are adjusted, actors are cast, locations are scouted, formation of the crew is made, the shooting schedule is settled, props and set designs are prepared, costumes are made and fitted, and everything that has to do with the shooting is planned and tested. |
| Production | The principal filming or recording usually takes time depending on the length and number of scenes and shot list – this is the phase where the Writer, Director, Producer, and other creative minds finally see their ideas captured on film, one day at a time. |
| Post-production | This is where the footage is edited, the sound is mixed, visual effects are added, a soundtrack is composed, titles are created, and the project is completed and prepared for distribution. |
| Evaluation: Approval and Revision of the Initial Output | The initial output should be approved by the Bureau of Learning Resources and DepEd TV Technical Team before it airs. Revision should be done based on the assessment. |
| Distribution | Distribution is the final stage wherein the approved film or documentary will be scheduled for airing and will be promoted through different platforms. The output will be shown on DepEd TV History Channel and will be uploaded to the DepEd TV YouTube Account. |
TIME SLOTS OF PROGRAMS ON DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
The viewing hours, time, and schedule of programs will consider the age and grade level of the viewers, including other related matters like the recommended viewing length of materials. The time and day will be decided upon later, but the 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday timeslot of DepEd TV will not be disturbed as this will be strictly for curriculum-based episodes. The timeslot for DepEd TV History Channel will be outside of this timeslot if only one channel will be used by DepEdTV. However, if two channels become available, then a more flexible viewing schedule can be made.
PRODUCTION OF DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
The materials will come from the creative minds, talents, and initiatives of filmmakers and content creators in the Department and from individuals or groups that are willing to collaborate with DepEd.
To be able to sustain the programming of the channel, DepEd Teacher-Broadcasters, and content-creators in the field will be mobilized. Students will be encouraged to contribute content. The help of Local Government Units and their Historical Offices are also envisioned.
DepEd can also initiate filmmaking workshops and contests that will produce historical films made by local filmmakers. This is a good opportunity for the education sector and the film industry to work together.
FUNDS FOR DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL OPERATIONS
Initially, DepEd may allot certain funds to start the project. Later, DepEd and its partners may raise a production fund to help finance film and TV projects that promote love and respect for Philippine history.
The DepEd TV History Channel will need external financial supporters, especially in the solicitation of existing films that had been previously shown in public. The materials are owned by private companies, groups, and/or individuals. As such, DepEd will be spearheading collaborations with the following:
Partner Networks:
- IBC 13 news and archives
- PTV 4 news and archives
Other Government Agencies:
- Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM)
- Presidential Museum and Library
- National Historical Institute
- National Museum
- National Commission on Culture and the Arts
- Film Development Council of the Philippines
- Cultural Center of the Philippines
- University of the Philippines Film Center
Local Establishments:
- Mowelfund
- Cinema Rehiyon
- Leon Gallery
- Salcedo Art House
Private Institutions:
- Viva Films archives
- Regal Films
- LVN film library
- Cinema One
- Sinag (Solar Entertainment)
- CinemaBuhay (PLDT)
- Cinemalaya (CCP – Dream Cable)
- Code NGO cultural arm
Commercial advertisements, commercial breaks, and other sponsorship deals may also fund the DepEd TV History Channel. Such funds will be used in securing licenses and permits of commercially-produced films and in producing DepEd TV movies.
OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS TO ENSURE QUALITY PROGRAMMING OF DEPED TV HISTORY CHANNEL
Contents for the DepEd TV History Channel will follow the guidelines of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The materials will also be reviewed by the DepEd Curriculum and Instruction Division for quality assurance prior to the showing on the channel.
Following the usual process of film production, filmmakers under or in partnership with DepEd will conduct the development process, preproduction, taping, post-production, and evaluation before airing the materials.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The DepEd TV History Channel will invigorate the Filipino film industry as it will elevate to very high levels the appreciation and interest of learners in historical movies. The channel will become the vital medium for the promotion of quality Filipino films in the country and around the world.
DepEd TV History Channel will also encourage the collaboration of Filipino filmmakers and producers with education officials and educators. These engagements will result in the production of remarkable and well-researched movies and documentaries. The channel will be a major arm in the preservation of Philippine history. The heroism of Filipino forebears must never be forgotten. Instead, their stories must be revered, produced, broadcast, passed on, and cherished as sources of inspiration for our Filipino children, grand and great-grandchildren.
Hence, the following proposals are being submitted for the
Secretary’s consideration and approval:
- The creation of DepEd TV History Channel Program
- The creation of DepEd TV History Channel Unit
- The allotment of initial funds to start the program
- The coordination with history and film related agencies and institutions towards the forging of partnership
Upon approval of these proposals, the office of the Undersecretary for Administration shall coordinate with the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction for the drafting of complete staff work and other documentation needed to formally and officially start the program.
