Addressing Mental Health: GMA Network's New Miniseries for the Filipino Youth
GMA Network, a leading broadcaster in the Philippines, has been awarded a grant by the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) to produce a groundbreaking miniseries that addresses the critical issue of mental health among Filipino youth. The grant, part of the National Endowment Fund for Children's Television (NEFCTV) 2022 Grants Program, aims to promote awareness of Filipino culture, social issues, and the holistic development of young people.
GMA Network is the only broadcast company among the four qualified grantees to receive this prestigious grant. GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, "We are grateful to the NCCT for choosing GMA Network as a partner in this worthwhile endeavor to help positively shape the youth and their future. This project is aligned with GMA's objective to produce programs that contribute to the positive development of our young audience."
NCCT Executive Director III Desideria Mance Atienza emphasized the importance of the collaboration, acknowledging the influence and credibility of the grantees. "We are certain that this memorandum of agreement will further our advocacy for child-friendly television. We understand the role of engaging our families, content creators, and citizens in building a community of child-friendly media advocates," she said.
Mental Health as a Central Theme
With the NEFCTV choosing mental health as the central theme for its 2022 program, GMA Network has developed "OK AKO," a three-episode miniseries that tackles mental health issues such as loss, anger, anxiety, bulimia, and depression. The program, which will air on September 8, 15, and 22, is designed to be suitable for audiences aged 13 to 17 years old, aiming to create a safe and supportive space for young viewers to explore these important topics.
The focus on mental health comes at a crucial time. Mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent in the Philippines, particularly among the youth, exacerbated by social and economic pressures, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited access to mental health services. According to a 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16% of Filipino children aged 13-17 suffer from some form of mental health condition, with many more cases going undiagnosed due to stigma and lack of awareness. Programs like "OK AKO" are vital in starting conversations around these issues and helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the country.
Creative Initiatives from Other Grantees
The other grantees, including "Tropa Peeps," "Lakbay Isip," and "Friendship Puzzles," also presented their creative concepts to the NCCT. Each of these programs offers unique approaches to exploring mental health and child-friendly themes.
Zeny Rosales, Executive Director of the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), shared that their project, "Tropa Peeps," aims to educate children about their rights to protection from sexual abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, Carmela Millado-Manuel, Company Manager of Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc., highlighted "Lakbay Isip," which includes interactive activities to help young viewers express themselves through writing and drawing.
Crisaldo Pablo, Creative Executive Producer of The Lovelife Project for Health and Environment, explained that their program, "Friendship Puzzles," is a light drama that explores how social media contributes to the fragility of young people's mental health. "We believe that mental health is a topic that should always be considered in policy-making and media programming," Pablo stated.
A Step Towards Positive Change
The NEFCTV, an initiative under the NCCT, encourages the creation and broadcast of programs aimed at Filipino youth. To qualify for this grant, organizations must demonstrate a strong track record in video production and a commitment to advancing children's causes.
With the production of "OK AKO," GMA Network reaffirms its commitment to creating world-class entertainment that is not only engaging but also socially responsible. As the country grapples with rising mental health concerns, particularly among its youth, such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting awareness, understanding, and support for mental well-being.
By integrating mental health into mainstream media, GMA Network and its fellow grantees hope to foster a more informed, compassionate, and resilient generation. This project is a significant step forward in addressing one of the most pressing social issues in the Philippines today.
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