Grrrrrrrr at the crap on our TVs (Conclusion)

Visit www.pinaymangatkatay.blogspot.com,
www.picturetrail.com/lovemeloveu

Blurb: "TV is a potent tool for mass coaching. If three networks can devote just one hour each day teaching English, over time, this would go a long way in bridging our English gap."

Fourth week and I'm on the fourth item on my "grrrrrr" list to cap a month of hitting back at the lousiness of people and institutions: Geezzz, why can't our telenovelas switch to more sensible storylines, and put an end to the bullshits of old-time soap-opera formula, the crap of themes on fighting for inheritance, killing the wife to gain possession of the man, the showdown of machismo, kidnappings in struggle for power and stardom, Romeo-and-Juliet love affairs - I would want to throw up to these "laspag, gasgas na" items!

Recently, TF reporter Jasmin Uy mentioned of House Deputy Majority Leader Eduardo Gullas urging Malacañang to tap the state-owned Peoples Television Network, Radio Philippines Network and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation for distant learning programs meant to reinforce English communication skills among Filipinos.

I reckon this should be considered urgently. Give us an alternative TV that would put a halt to the continued assault done by major TV networks on the intelligence of viewers!

Uy wrote that Gullas, who is also an educator and the author of the bill reinstating English as the medium of instruction in schools, said that the government has been losing good money subsidizing these unprofitable networks.

"We might as well use them to teach English," he said, adding that the three networks should forge partnerships, possibly with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Business Processing Association of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines English Department to get the remote learning programs up and running.

"TV is a potent tool for mass coaching. If three networks can devote just one hour each day teaching English, over time, this would go a long way in bridging our English gap," Gullas pointed out.

If TV could create a stir with the creative packaging of heroes and villains, it could as well serve as a powerful tool to create a paradigm shift set to invigorate a slowpoke economy and couch potato society. Give us television programs that would challenge our productivity, most especially those in the D and E crowd who are mostly tuned in and, thus, vacuum of the idiocy of the idiot box.

In other countries, Gullas noted that TV networks whether state-run or privately owned are increasingly engaged in English instruction.

He cited Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which has a TV service that facilitates the learning of English in all school levels.

"We are puzzled that up to now, the state-owned TV networks, on their own, have done nothing creative and concrete with respect to English promotion," Gullas lamented.

Much of this nonchalance come from major networks that focus more on soaps and gags and sitcoms that offer nothing, but shouting matches and "ka-kornihan" crap.

"Wa naman ni gipakita ning TV karon ang kamanyak, kabastos, ug kawalay batasan. Mga artista sa TV lamwas nang mga totoy, magsige ug paninggit, magsige ug away, magsinawayay. Mao na lang gyud ni ato ipakita sa kalibutan?" asks Irma, 41, mother of four, president of a Parents Teachers Community Association.

Meanwhile, a Christian site that encourages people to use television to gain perspective, balance and insight of pressing issues mentioned of the education theory which states that we learn more about what we see, hear and do, much of which is offered by the television.

Proof of this is the retention achieved by the attention we give to commercial jingles and punchlines, in affirmation that indeed television is not a theoretical object, but a real tool; an attractive gadget which acts like a pet that could not retaliate, but rather gives us the opportunity to use it the way we want to.

"And because television has a lot of bad attributes to offer rather than good, it is pointed to as the largest single source responsible for misconduct and or bad behavior of many children and teenagers today," the Christian website read.

"That is because many believe and trust, as being real, what they see on television. Television offers a communication tool like no other. It's multi-dimensional, interactive and is so real that what you see is what you get," it further went.

As an educator, Gullas noticed the flaw and would want to maximize the power of TV as an effective educational tool, the very reason he proposed multiple levels of English instruction for toddlers, for out-of-school youth and adults learning English for the first time, for grade and high school students and for college students, graduates and young professionals.

"The rapid decline in the English skills of the average Filipino is a pressing issue. The problem has been depriving even college graduates of a good paying job and might later discourage investors who require a steady supply of fluent English-speaking workers," Gullas warned.

Surveys have shown that many Filipinos are now aware of the need to master English for them to compete in more lucrative job markets here and abroad.

Should the state-run TVs consider the proposal, I raise earnest hopes that management be conscientious in airing programs like "Tatak Pilipino" on arts and culture hosted before by Gel Santos-Relos and Jim Paredes, "Flying House" on spiritual matters, "Sinag Tala or Sinag Nuebe or Pamana Espesyal" which is a marathon of vintage movies most especially those of Lamberto Avellana and Manuel Silos, a tour of the Philippines by region in reality TV format, an environmental program to be hosted by certified environmentalist like Chin-chin Gutierrez, and keep those that do observe excellence in reportage like "Probe Team" and "Jessica Soho".

TEXTPRESS URSELF! "Hi Eleanor. I am reading ur article now. I would say that this Dale s being consistent. We experienced his hambog during our relief operation in Quezon last year. He wanted to bring ABS-CBN good ahead (as if in a race) of other NGOs to d point of ordering us to disembark and unload our goods out of d navy ship. This guy s desperate! KSP. He might thought 'bantay lang mo ABS unhan mo nako since you got me no support in my quest '" - Joven Opon of Cebu. - 19 June 15:17:11; Good morning! I have more respect with Garduce than Oracion nd Emata coz he didn't climb 2 b no. 1 but 2 b able 2 reach Mt. Everest safely nd 4 charity. Mabuhay ka! - Eva Pinat, 19 June 09:58:23; "Thumbs up for todays article (re: Of online chatting and virtual sex). Who was that n the pics? He he joke only - Irving, 20-June 07:38:55. Mobile phone numbers withheld.

Crank up my email addy: [email protected] or text me at 0921-5323616.