A television show that's fit for kids should be entertaining and a good source of information. It should be subtle and not preachy. It should also be something that will make kids think.

This sums up the discussions at the day-long third "Dialogue with Media Practitioners" hosted by the National Council for Children's Television (NCCT) last weekend at the New Horizons Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

The NCCT is an agency that aims to promote and encourage the production and broadcasting of kid-friendly programs.

The event was attended by scriptwriters from ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and TV5, as well as film writers, teachers, students and representatives from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Bureau of Secondary Education (BSE) and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (Pana).

'Momay' gets flak

"The information in each show should be truthful and practical, but should not be didactic," said NCCT executive director Frank G. Rivera, who also served as the facilitator of the event. "All those who attended agreed that change should be gradual, and that efforts should be doubled to correct misinformation."

Rivera said the fantasy-drama series "Momay" drew flak from teachers and students when, in one episode, actress Glydel Mercado's character Hillary told her niece Momay (Xyriel Manabat): "Bobo ka naman kaya sa public school ka na lang mag-aral."

According to Rivera, the show's writers defended themselves by saying that Mercado's character had a change of heart in the succeeding episodes.

"So it was agreed upon that any issue raised should be answered immediately on the same episode," said Rivera. "This is for viewers who don't get to watch the show everyday."

'Goin' Bulilit' workshop

Representatives of the sketch comedy show "Goin' Bulilit" discussed a month-long workshop for kids and parents to be held in October, which is also Children's Rights Month.

"They also promised to come up with an episode featuring the colorful costumes and skin art of the Igorots, natives of the Cordillera," said Rivera.

"Goin' Bulilit" is a gag show featuring children playing adult roles in various comedic situations.

The writers of "Magkaribal," a drama series set in the fashion industry, were encouraged to draw inspiration from local designs, specifically the T'bolis of Southern Mindanao, who are known for their intricate bead works and dyed abaca fibers.

"This way, viewers will also appreciate local fashion. Filipino culture should be preserved," Rivera pointed out.

Inappropriate outfits

The now-defunct teen drama series "First Time" was also discussed during the conference.

"Viewers said it was full of kalandian, and that kids on the show were made to wear outfits that are not suited for their age," Rivera said. "This was when the issue of commercialism was raised. A program like this needs to rate well for it to stay on air.

"However, writers assured us that they were aware of their responsibility to their audience and are working hard to fulfill it."

'Modern-day nanny'

Rivera also said the NCCT is willing to co-produce TV shows "provided that they are kid-friendly and will be shown on prime time (between 5 and 11 p.m.)"

"Let's think of television as a modern-day nanny. Busy parents use it to keep their restless kids preoccupied. Children should be able to learn something from what they watch," the NCCT chief said.