Knowledge Channel, in partnership with the National Council for Children’s Television, is launching three new child-friendly shows this month, including one program under “NCCT Originals” that is reminiscent of the iconic ABS-CBN coming-of-age series “Tabing Ilog.”
“‘Wellness’kada’ is a child-friendly show on wellness that meets ‘Tabing Ilog,’” said Crisaldo Pablo, the show’s director. The program, one of the four shows under “NCCT Originals,” is set during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of community and mindfulness.
The “NCCT Originals” is part of Knowledge Channel’s Makabata Block, which carries programs that are designed to foster social awareness, Filipino culture, and values from a young age.
As “Wellness’kada” makes learning about overall wellness comprehensible for younger audiences, it does not shy away from discussing serious issues, such as the death of a loved one, similar to how “Tabing Ilog” tackled various issues teenagers and young adults face.
The showrunners consulted industry experts to approach these subjects truthfully and align with NCCT’s criteria for educational and informative, value-laden, and age-appropriate content.
“Kailangan maging maalam ang mga bata sa usapin patungkol sa personal wellness, lalo na’t may na-tackle kaming topic sa kamatayan ng isang kaibigan. We were very careful and we consulted experts para tama ang aming mga pinaparating sa programa. It’s all science-based, and our creative approach will cater to the truth,” Cris expounded.
Other NCCT original shows, in addition to “Wellness’kada,” are introducing timely topics to younger viewers for their character development and overall awareness.
Produced by the UPLB Department of Humanities, “Meriam’s Online World” informs children about the basics of media literacy and the dangers of social media.
“Mang Lalakbay” follows the adventures of Kuya Bay and friends as they explore the country’s iconic sights, while “Mga Awit ni Pina” is a modern re-telling of Filipino folklore through classic folk songs for the younger audiences’ appreciation of the environment.
The Makabata Block partnership with NCCT coincides with Knowledge Channel’s 25th year. For its president and executive director, Rina Lopez, this feat bolsters their cause of improving the quality of education and promoting holistic development for children.
“We are more committed than ever to improving the quality of education for Filipino children. Embarking on this new chapter with NCCT, we remain dedicated to making quality education accessible to every child. Sa kolaborasyong ito ay patunay na malaki ang ating magagawa kung tayo ay magtutulungan para sa isang layunin,” Rina said.
Also present at the media launch were NCCT chairperson and Child Development Sector council representative Luis Gatmaitan, NCCT Broadcast Sector council representative Sally Lopez, and Knowledge Channel Foundation vice president Edric Calma.
Other shows in the Makabata Block are “DokyuBata TV” and Sen. Loren Legarda’s cultural show “Buhay na Buhay,” which premieres on Aug. 26.
The Makabata Blocks airs seven times a week at 9 a.m., with replays at 9 p.m. “DokyuBata TV” and “Buhay na Buhay” air Mondays to Fridays, while “NCCT Originals” airs Saturday and Sunday.
Knowledge Channel is available on cable through our partner cable operators. It is also available via direct-to-home satellite (DTH), Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) using a DTT box, and iWantTFC for online streaming.