Quezon City — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) conducted today the Responsableng Panonood Family and Media Summit aimed at empowering families to become discerning and informed media consumers.
The summit, held at Quezon City, was attended by distinguished guests including Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, journalist Ms. Korina Sanchez-Roxas, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla, Safe Schools Chairperson Dr. Arlene Escalante, and representatives from the National Council for Children’s Television led by Chairperson Dr. Luis Gatmaitan and Presidential Communications Office Director III-STRATCOM, Ms. Sheryll Mundo.
The event aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vision to enhance media and information literacy across the Philippines
“In this digital age, the media landscape is evolving faster than ever before. As the chair of MTRCB and, more importantly, as a mother, I understand the challenges that come with guiding our children through this digital age”
MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto-Antonio said in her opening remarks.
“It is crucial that we equip parents and supervising adults with the necessary tools and knowledge to guide the younger generation in consuming media responsibly,” she emphasized.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in her speech, emphasized that more than ever, adults need to step up in this digital age.
“We welcome this discussion on responsible media consumption as a crucial development. By empowering adults with sufficient knowledge, we equip them to be more discerning about the content we expose their children to”
Mayor Joy Belmonte
Award-winning broadcaster and host Korina Sanchez-Roxas talked about the importance of moderation and managing content.
“It is crucial to strike a balance between screen time and physical activities. The kind and quality of contents our children consume matter greatly,” Sanchez-Roxas said.
“Let us work towards a balanced and enriching environment where children can thrive both online and offline,” Sanchez-Roxas added.
That is where the Responsableng Panonood campaign comes in, according to MTRCB Chairperson Sotto-Antonio.
“For we, at the MTRCB believe that at the heart of Responsableng Panonood, lies the Filipino family. As the basic unit of society, it is within the home that children first learn about the world around them. What they see on television, online, and in other media forms affects them in various ways. Therefore, it is essential that we, as parents and guardians, take an active role in their media consumption,” Chair Sotto-Antonio stressed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Chairperson of the National Council for Children’s Television, discussed NCCT’s efforts to promote a child-friendly TV landscape in the country.
The Responsableng Panonood campaign, launched by MTRCB in 2023, highlights the vital role of Filipino families in shaping media consumption habits and aims to provide parents and guardians with the tools to help children manage screen time and choose quality content.
The family and media summit featured experts who shared insights and strategies for promoting beneficial and appropriate content for children.