The Research and Creative Work Division together with TVUP, have once again unleashed their creative prowess to bring to reality yet another project integrating the arts and sciences. An activity under the Center for Climate and Health on Global Research on Disasters (CORD) Project on Dengue, “MoskiToks” is the division’s novel spin on information dissemination campaigns and engaging vulnerable communities. It is a television show that caters to young audiences, tackling dengue disease and dengue prevention.
The creative team that brought about this project is composed of Dr. Glecy C. Atienza, project proponent, co-writer, voice actor; Arman Mangilinan, playwright; Roberto C. Mendoza, songwriter, and music composer; and RCW staff Christian Jesus Sanchez, Jamie Gundaya, and Mape Estellena, as puppeteers and voice actors. The project is also made possible by the very capable staff of the TVUP, an Internet television (webcast) network operated by the University of the Philippines; led by their director Grace Alfonso.
Featuring a lively cast of puppets and experts in the field of health sciences, the series takes young viewers and old, on a journey into the world of the aedes aegypti – the mosquito species responsible for dengue transmission. The story intertwines the predicaments of the mosquito main characters – Aida, Lorna, and Fe, with the lives of Kiko and Karisa – two youngsters learning about dengue; alongside the amusing and comedic antics of the “taumbayans” in Kiko and Karisa’s community.
MoskiToks, developed in collaboration with health experts and local educators, seeks to inform children and families about dengue disease and dengue prevention in a fun, relatable way. Through the hilarious characters and educational storytelling, the show aims to teach its audiences about dengue and the importance of community action to combat its spread; conveying essential dengue prevention strategies aligned with national strategies, such as community cleanup drives and reduction of mosquito breeding sites.
The show’s creators hope that using puppetry and visual arts to convey practical health information will help audiences, especially children, retain key messages and vital information about dengue disease; making them proactive agents in effecting change in their own communities. With this show, creators hope to inspire children and their families to join the fight against dengue – one clean-up at a time!