AGHAM backs proposal for more educational, cultural programs on TV

MANILA, Philippines - A group of science advocates is pushing for more educational and cultural programs on government-run television networks.

The Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya (AGHAM) supported the proposal of Sen. Edgardo Angara to increase airtime for children’s educational shows on government-run television network.

“AGHAM strongly supports the call because we also promote education, particularly science and technology and the development of the culture of science among Filipino youth,” AGHAM president Angelo Palmones said in a statement.

“We commend the initiative and commitment of Senator Angara to provide quality education for our people not only through formal school institutions. We all know the power of media in influencing the mindset of the public, particularly among the young people. We support the move and hope other groups and institutions will do the same,” Palmones said.

Organized in 2005, AGHAM is a non-stock, non-profit association of science professionals, science journalists, science advocates and enthusiasts registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

Angara raised the need for government channels to increase airtime for children’s educational shows, saying that “instead of simply showing cartoon characters and animation shows to entertain our children, we must keep in mind that their values are honed from what they see onscreen. We must provide materials with more educational value on air.”

Angara, chairman of the Senate’s committee on science and technology, has pushed for a bigger budget for the PTV 4 for 2010.

Angara, a former president of the University of the Philippines and staunch advocate of child development and education, said that with P100 million budget for next year, the television network can reach more children, not only in the urban but also in the rural areas, and provide quality educational and cultural programs.

Angara was among the pioneers of educational TV shows in the 1990s and has repeatedly called for improving the country’s education system.

Currently Filipino children are exposed only to programs like Knowledge Channel, but network operators are unable to maximize such programs due to limited advertising revenues, Angara said.