2019

This is a Finalist in the Government Best Practice Recognition Awards

Title

Communicating S&T through DOSTv broadcast and web platforms

Organization

Science and Technology Information Institute

Best practice Focus Area(s)

Leadership, Social and environmental responsibility, Convergence,  Customer and citizen focus

Year Implemented

2016

Summary

DOSTv –  the broadcast and web platform of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is designed to reach out to many Filipinos so that breakthroughs and helpful knowledge on science can be acquired, adopted, and used to improve people’s lives. It was in 2016 when it began to initially air online and later daily on PTV4 and Global News Network. So far it is probably the only government initiated broadcast program produced and aired by government employees. Three years hence, DOSTv has earned the approval of NEDA as a national priority project for 2 years; gained an Anak TV seal award and earned nominations from private award-giving bodies.

Background and Problem

Starting as an online weather channel after a series of calamities and disasters in the Philippines, DOSTv was seen as a solution to the alleged lack of information to the public. Later, DOSTv expanded its content and evolved into a wider information resource to obtain relevant news, inspiring stories, and global updates on science. While TV is experienced in real time, DOSTv through its online websites or social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube which are now fast gaining a strong following, has made it possible for people to watch episodes whenever they want. To enhance and keep the broadcast content up-to-date DOSTv puts out a weekly teaser for the following week’s episodes. It also engages DOST-PAGASA to give out two daily weather updates online. First is at 5:00 AM, the second round 5:00 PM both of which are automatically posted in the DOSTv FB page.

Solution and Impact

Despite the growing patronage of online content, TV continued to be the top source for S&T news and information among the public. From being a mere weather resource assisting DOST-PAGASA’s information services, DOSTv reformatted into both a weather and science program and thus came up with several segments such as features, documentaries, interviews, science tips and trivia that depicted science as fun, comprehensible, helpful, inspiring, income-generating and solution-provider to most of today’s problems. The DOSTv staff who had at first little or no competence in the broadcast were immediately immersed into segment production work, planning, coordination, live streaming, and hands-on technical training.

With constant practice and actual demo from a creative supplier, the DOSTv team was able to overcome the mistakes at the onset of broadcast and began to beat an otherwise long learning curve in just a matter of months. Now using both TV and web platforms, science, specifically DOST has become more visible, accessible, and relatable to the public. DOSTv often got invited to cover various events from the 18 agencies and 17 regional offices under DOST. Even academic institutions and private organizations seek DOSTv’s promotional assistance. SWS survey results in 2016 which started with 6% awareness of DOST’s programs have doubled to 13% last year and just this year continued to move up to 16%. Comparatively, DOSTv itself rose from 5% awareness in 2017 to 11% this year.

Milestones

DOSTv within 3 years of existence has produced and aired more than 800 episodes; several FB posts and infographics, etc.; considered by NEDA as a national priority program deserving of support; and received the ANAK TV seal award for child-safe, family-friendly television.  It was nominated as Best educational program by PUP Mabini awards in 2018 and just recently included as a nominee for Best magazine show at the PMPC Star Awards – the only government-produced TV program airing in a state channel. This year, DOSTv went into another platform with DOST sa Radyo – a one-hour talk show on RadyoPilipinas 1 (738AM) hosted by Secretary de la Peña himself and other DOST officials. DOSTv also penetrated a major network, GMA News TV, for the weekly airing of Siyensikat: Pinoy Popular Science Para Sa Lahat, a 30-minute magazine show featuring the fulfillment of aspirations in science