Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.

129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

MAJOR TASK:
Documentary Written Report

I. Introduction:

In Sandra Aguinaldo's documentary "Iskul Ko No.1," the teachers and students of Sindangan
Elementary School in Southern Leyte, one of the poorest regions in the Philippines, tell a
compelling story. The video emphasizes the difficulties both teachers and pupils have in
continuing their education in spite of obstacles brought on by poverty and lack of funding. The
main objective of the documentary is to emphasize that one's poverty should not stop one
from pursuing their aspirations and to encourage and urge both the general public and
students to never give up on studying and dreaming. The documentary also seeks to gain
support for the enhancement of Sindangan Elementary School's infrastructure and curriculum
by bringing attention to the challenges experienced by its students. This documentary
explores the lives of Sindangan Elementary School teachers and children, showing their
strength, determination, and resilient spirit in the face of hardship and little resources. It
presents the inspirational stories of pupils who, in spite of difficult circumstances, embody
determination and dedication to learning, such Michelle Maitim, Mildred Maturan, and Abegail
Cortina. The documentary is highly valuable since it portrays the pupils' persistent spirit and
teacher's generous commitment to education. Additionally, it has had a beneficial effect as the
documentary inspired people to show their support and led to donations for the children' and
their school's benefit. The impact of the video has resulted in collaborations with groups like
World Vision to support the students' education.

II. Title and Credits:

Title: "Iskul Ko, No. 1!,"

Name of Documentarist: Sandra Aguinaldo

Executive-in-charge of Production: Marissa L. Flores

Program Manager: Nessa S. Valdellon

Executive Producer: Kristoffer G. Brugada

Director/ Edit Supervisor: Maria Abegail S.J. Lara

Researcher: Pia Faustino

Production Administrator: Ivy Q. Magparangal

Production and Logistical Support: Annie T. Sulit

Production Assistant: April Carpio

Transcriber: Joy Andrea Coronado

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 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

Camerman: Jayson Dimbla

Assistant Cameraman: Raelino Dizon

Editors: Fredie D. Abril

Danzen Santos

Rayziel Rosento

Antonio Payomo III

Graphics Artist: Fredie D. Abril

Master Editor: Ernest Francis

Eugene P. Jimenez

III. Background and Context:

It focuses on a Philippine school that has seen immense achievement and attention. The
documentary clarifies the difficulties the school and its pupils experience, especially in relation
to poverty and education. The documentary aims to shine insight into the challenges
encountered by students in areas of poverty and the Philippine educational system. It focuses
attention to the initiatives taken by the school to get over these obstacles and establish itself
as a top-tier establishment.
The documentary emphasizes the value of education in ending the cycle of poverty by
demonstrating the school's accomplishments. It also focuses attention to the fact that
resources and assistance are required to boost the standard of education in communities with
limited resources. The socioeconomic circumstances in the Philippines, the difficulties
experienced by students from low-income households, and the initiatives taken by the
government and nonprofit groups to address these concerns are some of the historical and
contextual details that give the documentary more complexity.

IV. Thesis or Main Argument:

The main argument or thesis made in the documentary "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" is that
education is important for avoiding poverty and addressing the difficulties encountered by
students in impoverished areas. The documentary tells the tale of a Philippine school that has
accomplished amazing accomplishment in spite of adversity in order to make its point. The
documentary illustrates the issues that the school and its pupils confront, including a lack of
resources, poor facilities, and socioeconomic difficulties, via interviews with teachers,
students, and administrators. It highlights the pupils' tenacity and resolve to continue their
study in spite of these obstacles. The documentary also focuses on the school's efforts to
overcome these obstacles and develop into a high-achieving organization. It highlights
creative teaching strategies, community service, and educators' commitment to giving kids a
top-notch education. The documentary aims to break the cycle of poverty by narrating the tale
of this school and its pupils and so increasing public awareness of the significance of
education. It aims to encourage viewers to support programs that provide educational

Topic Title:
 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

possibilities for impoverished areas and to see the potential in every kid, regardless of
background. The general concept of "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" is that education can be a
potent weapon for empowering people and bringing about social change. It demands more
focus and funding for education in order to guarantee that every kid has the chance to succeed
in life.

V. Narrative Structure:

Sandra Aguinaldo made a documentary called "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" which highlights a
specific school's distinctive approach to teaching. When dissecting the documentary's
storytelling methods and narrative framework. Usually, the video opens with a description of
the institution and its innovative methods of teaching. By introducing the scene and
background, this helps the audience know what to anticipate from the remainder of the movie.
Aguinaldo most likely goes into great detail on the school's history, mission, and difficulties.
The audience gains valuable context from this explication, which aids in their comprehension
of the importance of the school's educational philosophy. Aguinaldo certainly introduces
viewers to a variety of the school's instructors, administrators, and students throughout the
video. The audience can identify with the people whose lives are affected by the school's
unconventional teaching techniques since these characters are the main focus of the story. It
is likely that the documentary explores more into the creative teaching strategies used by the
institution. This might contain student projects and classroom activity videos, in addition to
interviews with educators and administrators. Through the use of these techniques, Aguinaldo
successfully communicates the core of the school's pedagogical philosophy. Aguinaldo could
also draw attention to the difficulties and roadblocks the school faces, such financial
constraints or opposition from conventional educational institutions. This illustrates the real-
life consequences and gives the story more depth.
The documentary most likely ends with an analysis of the effects of the educational approach
of the school and its long-term consequences. The spectator is given a sense of closure by
this denouement, which connects all of the story's unresolved issues. When everything is
considered, "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" seems to do a good job at delivering its message
through its narrative framework. Through the investigation of the school's distinct pedagogical
approach from the viewpoints of educators, administrators, and students, Aguinaldo crafts an
engaging story that emphasizes the significance of innovation in education. Furthermore, by
discussing the difficulties the school faces, the documentary gives its narrative greater nuance
and authenticity, which enhances the power of its message.

VI. Visual and Auditory Elements:

The use of images, cinematography, and general aesthetics in Sandra Aguinaldo's

documentary "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" are essential to strengthening the narrative and
delivering the message. Here's an overview on these features and an assessment of how well
sound, music, and other auditory components work. Aguinaldo probably uses eye-catching
images to convey the spirit of the institution and its environs. Images of the school's campus,
classrooms, students participating in class activities, and the surrounding landscape may be
included. Aguinaldo may elicit feelings from the viewer through deft cinematography, like
happiness, curiosity, or empathy. Images of students' faces, their interactions with professors,
and their reactions captured in close-up during class can build a strong bond between the

Topic Title:
 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

audience and the subjects of the documentary. Also, Aguinaldo could place a higher value on
authenticity in the images, aiming to depict real-life conversations and situations as opposed
to contrived or manufactured scenarios. The audience may find the documentary more
approachable and credible as a result of its genuineness. Ambient noises may also be used
in the documentary to provide authenticity and a sense of immersion. The audience's
perception of being in the classroom can be strengthened by the sounds of students
conversing, classroom activities, and background noise from the school setting. Furthermore,
Aguinaldo may purposefully use music in the documentary to heighten dramatic scenes or
elicit particular feelings. The audience's emotional reaction may be significantly influenced by
the music selection, whether it is uplifting and energizing or thoughtful and meditative. Overall,
"I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!"'s audio, visual, and cinematography aspects probably work
together to create a rich and engaging viewing experience. Aguinaldo improves the narrative
and persuades the viewer of the documentary's message by carefully employing these
components.

VII. Interviews and Testimonies:

It helps that the people in the documentary have credibility. Individuals having direct
involvement in the school's creative approach to teaching, such as teachers, administrators,
and educational specialists, are likely to offer invaluable ideas and firsthand experiences. Their
experience gives the documentary's story more validity. Additionally, in order to present a
thorough understanding of the subject, it is imperative that the documentary incorporate a
variety of viewpoints. Speaking with kids, parents, teachers, and administrators about their
experiences and thoughts about the school's teaching strategies allows for a diversity of
perspectives that enhance the story. When possible, the documentary should include
instances or supporting documentation for the testimony given by the interviewees. This might
contain recordings of lessons, student work, academic successes, or quotes from other
sources. Such proof upholds the thesis of the program and lends credence to the interviewees.
In addition, the documentary should follow moral guidelines when conducting interviews to
guarantee that subjects get polite treatment and that their viewpoints are fairly conveyed.
Interviews might be manipulated or misrepresented, which would damage the documentary's
credibility and message.
If the testimonies and interviews in "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" fit these requirements, they
can greatly enhance the story by offering personal recollections of the school's cutting-edge
teaching strategies, difficulties encountered, and effects on both students and the community.
Viewers may learn more about the issue and develop an emotional connection with the
participants by using the interviews as their main source of knowledge and insight.
Additionally, I think that the documentary's ability to convince and educate viewers about the
value of creative teaching is strengthened by the interviewees' legitimacy. Viewers are more
likely to be impacted by the documentary's message and motivated to think about different
teaching methods when they believe the testimonials that are offered in it. Overall, the
documentary's main concepts and ideas are well conveyed and the story is greatly influenced
by trustworthy and high-quality testimony and interviews.

Topic Title:
 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

VIII. Information and Research:

The documentary skillfully illustrates the realities of Sindangan Elementary School through in-
depth research and first-person accounts. Through her research of the children's life, Sandra
Aguinaldo shows how difficult it is to overcome obstacles and pursue an education. It also
shows how dedicated and tenacious teachers are in imparting the information they want to
see in their students.

IX. Impact and Emotional Appeal:

"I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" probably wants to make its viewers feel a variety of things, like
inspiration, empathy, and maybe even hope. Here's an analysis of the documentary's
techniques and how it could try to elicit this kind of emotional response. Intimate interviews
and first-person accounts from instructors and kids may be included in the documentary,
enabling viewers to relate to their challenges, goals, and victories. The documentary may
inspire empathy for people involved in the educational process by exposing the difficulties
experienced by instructors and students in traditional educational systems and comparing
them with the good experiences at the featured school. The Inspiration and Hope is the
documentary can encourage viewers to believe in the transformational potential of education
by sharing positive tales and success stories.
The film might inspire optimism for a better future in education by presenting the creative
teaching strategies used by the institution and the successful results achieved by the pupils.
When everything is considered, "I-Witness: Iskul Ko, No. 1!" probably uses a mix of narrative
strategies, first-person accounts, and graphic visuals to elicit particular feelings and responses
from its viewers. The documentary successfully conveys its message and challenges viewers
to reevaluate their opinions about education and its capacity for good change by involving
them on an emotional level.

X. Strengths and Weaknesses:

In my opinion, the video I saw emphasizes the resilience of the instructors at Sindangan
Elementary School in the face of poverty and resource scarcity, as well as the strength of the
students. The Emotional Impact, in real-life tales, like the teacher who give effort for the
students, are used in the story to arouse feelings in the audience. Additionally, Social Impact:
Following its broadcast, viewers responded favorably to the documentary, making
contributions to support the children and their school. Also, one of their weaknesses as a
teacher is that they are unable to instruct their students due to a lack of resources, such as
books and facilities. It is difficult to fully evaluate the documentary's flaws since the material
that is now accessible about it is disjointed and does not include a detailed analysis of the
show's content.
Technical components is the evaluation of the documentary's technical components is limited
due to the lack of detailed insights into the implementation, including images, cinematography,
and audio elements. In conclusion, the documentary seems to have a strong story and has
had an effect, but a full evaluation of its merits and shortcomings especially with regard to
technical and executional issues is hampered by the paucity of complete material.

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 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

XI. Conclusion:

Sandra Aguinaldo's I-Witness documentary "Iskul Ko, No. 1!" tells the remarkable tale of the
Sindangan Elementary School in southern Leyte, Philippines. The documentary highlights the
difficulties that instructors and students encounter as a result of resource scarcity and poverty.
It highlights the pupils' tenacity and resolve to continue their education in spite of obstacles,
mirroring the larger problems faced by Filipino students in public schools.
In spite of problems with infrastructure, energy, and instructional resources, the school has
achieved incredible things, as evidenced by its placement as the second-best school in the
National Elementary Achievement Test (NEAT) in 2006. These accomplishments are
highlighted in the documentary. It also highlights the commitment of educators like Teacher
Lea Gabriel, who, after working elsewhere, went back to her alma institution to teach.

The documentary is significant because it shows the instructors and children of Sindangan
Elementary School's tenacity and persistent attitude. It acts as a potent reminder of the
difficulties that many Filipino youngsters have while attempting to further their education and
the significance of tackling problems like poverty and a shortage of resources in public
schools. The goal of the documentary is to increase public awareness of these issues and
spur constructive reforms in the educational system to support the goals and dreams of Filipino
youngsters. All things considered, Sandra Aguinaldo's "Iskul Ko, No. 1!" is a moving
documentary that illuminates the larger social concerns influencing public education in the
Philippines in addition to showcasing the challenges of a particular school. It acts as a call to
action to deal with these issues and guarantee that every kid gets the chance to use education
to follow their ambitions.

XII. Recommendations:

Sandra Aguinaldo's "Iskul Ko, No. 1!" I-Witness documentary skillfully captures the struggles
and victories of Sindangan Elementary School. The impact of the video may be increased by
giving a more comprehensive overview of the difficulties public schools in the Philippines
confront. Examining other schools or areas dealing with similar problems might aid viewers in
realizing how pervasive the problems are. While Teacher Lea Gabriel's experience is
highlighted in the video, other students, teachers, and community members' personal tales
might be included to give the story greater nuance and emotional impact.

Policy Implications: Talking about possible policy ramifications and ways to solve the
problems that Sindangan Elementary and other schools face might give the documentary
more depth and inspire viewers to think about systemic reforms.
Follow-Up: To bring the documentary's influence on the school and its community to a close,
a section or update on the school's advancement since it aired would be helpful.
Engagement and Interaction: The documentary's influence may go beyond merely
increasing awareness if it included calls to action, such as organizing fundraisers or volunteer
opportunities to help schools like Sindangan Elementary.
Furthermore, the documentary "Iskul Ko, No. 1!" may have a more extensive and long-lasting
effect by taking these suggestions into account, raising awareness and supporting public
education in the Philippines.

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 Divine Mercy College Foundation, Inc.
129 Jose P. Bautista Street, Caloocan City

XIII. References:

https://youtu.be/hsWaQVu-o1Y?si=LCS9AGFmx0ouKcZp

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffairs/iwitness/48678/my-school-is-no-
1/story/

GADIANO, CHARMAE R.

BEED 3A

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