The Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication (DDBT) takes the lead in developing radio and television-based instructional programs for early grade learners in Regions 5 and 6, and the Maguindanao Divisions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Two instructional programs titled, We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan and We Learn As One: My TV School, are being produced to help students, parents, and teachers ensure quality learning during the pandemic. The instructional materials were in Filipino and English. 

DDBT staff and talents for We Learn As One: My TV School and We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan

We Learn As One: My TV School and We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan are produced through DDBT’s partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), United States Agency for International Development  (USAID), Research Triangle Institute International, and Brattle Education. Prior to this project, the College of Development Communication (CDC) has been engaging in educational and development broadcasting through Radyo DZLB. 

Asst. Professor Mark Lester Chico working behind-the-scenes for We Learn As One: My TV School and We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan

As project leader, Asst. Prof. Mark Lester M. Chico is at the helm of the DDBT Team in designing and producing the instructional programs. The team recognizes the opportunity to use broadcast media for formal education since the pandemic has disrupted face-to-face classes. “As the pioneer and leading institution in educational broadcasting, we at DDBT see this as a good opportunity to provide our expertise in producing radio- and television-based instructional materials that would help teach our young learners reading, writing, and speaking, among others,” says Assistant Professor Chico. He further reiterated that “our current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for broadcast media-based learning materials, and we at DDBT, together with our colleagues, alumni, and partners, responded to the call. Producing educational broadcasts has always been a big part of our public service initiatives at the Department and the College“.

The radio and TV programs are directed by Assistant Professor Chico, who also wrote and co-hosted radio episodes, and produced TV episodes. Executive Producers include University Research Associate Ryan Jay Galang, Assistant Professor Louise Villanueva, and Assistant Professor and DDBT Chair Trina Leah Mendoza. Among the TV hosts are Linus Van Plata, CDC alumnus, and Adrianne Selma and Samantha Gesmundo. Ma. Alexandra Dayrit-Caperiña, Linus Van Plata, and Sammy Grubanzo, CDC alumni, and Hannah Grace Acoyong, CDC student serve as hosts for the radio program. Writers involved CDC alumni including Magno Ardenia, Jr., Harry Bernardino, Sheryl Hermosa-Ebron, Joshua Jonas, Jazel Llamas, Ana Dominique Pablo, Naomi Rufino, and Rinarhae Seguin. Animators and editors are a mix of CDC staff, students, and alumni such as Christopher Calamlam, Angeli Marcon, Mario Maningas, Gill Salgado, Ryan Juego, and other artists. Production staff include CDC administrative personnel Anais Villapando, Marionette Dela Cruz, Carol Joy Cabello, and Joey Pelayo. Marivic Ramos of the Autism Society of the Philippines Laguna Chapter also coordinated and provided talents from their members including Kim Lapastora and Marz Raña. 

DDBT staff behind-the-scene for We Learn As One: My TV School and We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan

In addition to the local channels and stations in Regions 5 and 6, and BARMM, We Learn As One: My TV School and We Learn As One: Ang Radyo Kong Paaralan are also available online via the ABC+ Learning Connects Facebook Page, streamed via Radyo DZLB Facebook Page, and aired on Royal Cable TV6 under the program, Dito Sa Laguna. (LSVillanueva)

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