Titser: Television for social change

After the critically-acclaimed series “Bayan Ko,” GMA News TV is set to premiere its new original series, “Titser,” on August 11, 7:15 PM. “Titser,” similar to “Bayan Ko,” aims to promote GMA News TV’s objective of “television for social change.”
 

“Titser” tells the story of a poor girl who dreams of becoming a teacher, but whose only option is to work as a househelp after high school graduation. Lovi Poe plays the lead character Michelle, and is joined by Mara Lopez, who plays her best friend Rosa; and Agot Isidro, who plays her mentor and inspiration, Teacher Sandra.
 

The series was inspired by true events featured in Sandra Aguinaldo’s I-Witness documentary “Iskul ko, No. 1.” that tells the story of how the Sindangan Elementary School in Southern Leyte leapt from its previous rank of 78 to the top spot and topped the 2006 National Elementary Achievement Test (NEAT) of the Department of Education.


 

“Kasama ang [Titser] sa buong objective ng GMA News TV na television for social change,” said Nessa Valdellon, GMA News TV Head and creator of “Titser.” “We want to produce programs that people will watch and make them think na may dapat akong gawin para makatulong.”
 

“Napansin ko kasi na parang walang gumagawa ng mini-series sa telebisyon. Ang mga traditional drama natin puro tungkol sa mga relasyon, mga nag-aagawan ng asawa,” she added. “Para bang walang tungkol sa tunay na isyu na kinakaharap ng sambayanang Pilipino.”
 

Valdellon added that she wanted to focus on the state of education in the country because it has become a really bad situation. “More than 60% of our population ang hindi pa nakakatungtong ng college. High school lang ang natapos, elementary or even less. We’re hoping that [Titser] will inspire people na may kakayahan na makatulong doon sa mga hindi nakakapag-aral.”
 

“Titser” begins airing on August 11, Sunday, 7:15 PM on GMA News TV. The 10-part series will run until October 13.
 

For more updates about the show, follow “Titser” on Facebook and Twitter:
 

http://www.facebook.com/TitserGMANewsTV
http://twitter.com/TitserNewsTV
 

–Bernice Sibucao, CM/GMA News