Addressing vital issues like anxiety and depression through engaging storytelling.

In a landmark development for children’s television in the Philippines, GMA Network has been awarded a grant by the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) as part of the National Endowment Fund for Children’s Television (NEFCTV) 2022 Grants Program. This makes GMA-7 the sole broadcast company selected from four qualified grantees, underscoring its leadership in creating meaningful content for young audiences.

The initiative is driven by the need to foster awareness of Filipino culture and social issues while supporting the holistic development of youth aged 13 to 17 years old. GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable expressed gratitude toward NCCT, stating, “We are grateful to the NCCT for choosing GMA Network as partner in this worthwhile endeavor to help positively shape the youth and their future.”

The program, titled “OK AKO,” is a three-episode miniseries designed to engage its audience through light yet impactful storytelling that addresses critical themes such as loss, anger, anxiety, bulimia, and depression. Scheduled to air on September 8, 15, and 22 on GMA-7, it aims to resonate deeply with its target demographic.

Acknowledging the importance of child-friendly media, NCCT Executive Director III Desideria Mance Atienza highlighted how this collaboration aligns with their mission of promoting child-friendly television: “We understand the role of engaging our families, content creators, and citizens in building a community of child-friendly media advocates.”

Other grantees participating in this initiative have also shared their innovative concepts, including “Tropa Peeps,” “Lakbay Isip,” and “Friendship Puzzles,” each aimed at addressing different aspects of youth experience today. For instance, Zeny Rosales from the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse noted that their project seeks to educate children about their rights against exploitation.

This NEFCTV grant represents more than just financial support; it signifies a collective commitment to nurturing young minds through responsible programming. With “OK AKO,” GMA Network aims not only to entertain but also to create a safe space where viewers can explore their feelings through interactive activities such as diary writing and drawing.

As mental health continues to rise as a crucial topic in policy-making and media programming, GMA Network’s proactive approach exemplifies an industry standard that prioritizes quality content tailored for today’s youth. As Crisaldo Pablo from The Lovelife Project for Health and Environment aptly put it, “Mental health is an issue that must always be laid out in policy making and media programming.”