Lapus calls more child-friendly TV programming

MANILA, Nov. 24 (PNA) -- The National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) signed on Monday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) to monitor and handle complaints against “undesirable” television programs and commercials that are harmful to children.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus said, “Our television programs must increasingly become reliable resources for learning among our children, and not a source of negative influence.”

Lapus added the television is still the most widely used source of entertainment among Filipino children.

He added KBP and PANA will play a major role in protecting children from television shows and commercials that show excessive sex, violence and other viewing fares that are unfit for minors.

“We welcome this partnership that promotes positive TV programming that puts premium on educational and responsible entertainment content for our children,” Lapus stressed.

During the signing of the agreement, representatives from major television networks were also present to discuss Republic Act 8370, otherwise known as the Children’s Television Act.

Through the KBP and PANA, concerned television stations and advertising agencies will have a venue to have a “constructive dialogue” about formulating protective measures for television such as the Violence Rating Code and Children’s Block Time programming or “C” Time.

NCCT chief Jonathan Malaya called on the television networks, advertisers and child-focused NGOs to work together so that television programming contribute to the shaping of positive values, culture, and behavior among Filipino children.