President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on the Philippine media to use their platforms to promote “child-sensitive” content as he emphasized the older generations’ crucial role in shaping the youth’s behaviors and values.

Marcos made the call in a speech delivered by Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil during the Anak TV Seal Awards in Quezon City on Friday.

The President urged television network stakeholders, celebrities, and journalists to provide a “positive, nurturing, and inspiring” media landscape for Filipino children through policies and programs that would promote responsible TV viewership.

“It is worth mentioning that the younger generations learn social behaviors by observing adults and role models. So, let us provide them with the necessary guidance in their consumption of media and encourage them to watch shows that will teach them how to engage effectively with their peers, elders, and communities,” Marcos said.

“I enjoin all Philippine TV networks, artists, and journalists, among others, to wield your power and utilize your platform in promoting media and online literacy and advocating child-sensitive content.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the media and his administration to expand awareness of the needs of young viewers.

The Anak TV Seal Awards is a national recognition given by various stakeholders, among them parents, educators, businesses, and media organizations, to programs promoting responsible TV viewership through child-sensitive and friendly show formats.

This year’s awards were held after three years of hiatus due to the pandemic.

Marcos lauded Anak TV for this year’s awarding, aimed at recognizing outstanding child-friendly television programs that play a role in the creation of a new generation of socially conscious Filipinos.

He also recognized the recipients of the Anak TV Seal Awards for creating quality content that help mold the values of Filipino children. (PNA)