The Department of Education (DepEd) is planning to create a DepEd TV History Channel that will air films and documentaries featuring Philippine and World History to nurture the historical awareness of Filipino learners, teachers, parents, and the public.

“The Department recognizes the importance and the effectiveness of films and documentaries as learning resources. The creation of the DepEd TV History Channel will make these materials widely accessible to learners and teachers. We, in the Department, are glad to contribute to the vibrant history and identity of the Filipinos,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said in a news release Wednesday.

The DepEd TV History Channel will be spearheaded by the Office of Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) in coordination with the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction (OUCI) for review and development of the materials.

“The ideas and views that the learners may 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,” Undersecretary Alain Del Pascua noted.

The initial lineup will be composed of existing historical video materials that have been previously shown to the public. DepEd may produce other content in partnership with other filmmakers.

The historical films and documentaries will be available online through DepEd Commons, DepEd TV YouTube, and soon on DepEd EdFlix, a platform for educational videos and lessons on demand. It will also feature lessons provided by history teachers that will pass the review of the Curriculum and Instruction strand.

Pascua said the creation of the DepEd TV History Channel can be a platform to showcase and cultivate local talents.

“We can also start filmmaking workshops and contests that will produce historical films made by local filmmakers. This is an excellent opportunity for the education sector and the film industry to work together,” he added.

Contents for the DepEd TV History Channel will follow the guidelines of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

Meanwhile, the viewing hours, time, and schedule of programs will consider the age and grade level of the viewers.

In addition, the Department noted that the time slot for the airing of DepEd TV would not interfere and will be asynchronous to the time slot of DepEd History Channel as DepEd TV is strictly for curriculum-based episodes. However, a more flexible viewing schedule will be possible when two channels become available. (PNA)