November 15, 2015, 7:08p.m. – YOUNG people should be more critical of what they see on television and more importantly, take action, speakers said at the third Family and Child Summit at St. Mary’s College in Quezon City last Nov. 14.
Eugenio Villareal, chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), emphasized the importance of children’s ability to be discerning of what they see on television, as he discussed the forum’s theme “Matalinong Panonood Para sa Kabataan.”
The event was organized jointly by the MTRCB and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators as part of a series of talks and forums on the youth’s role in media and the need for “age-appropriate” content and audience sensitivity on television.
“Today’s focus is our young people, in order to empower them to determine the type of media and entertainment that they see,” Villareal said.
In his keynote address, Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC asked whether the youth were active or passive television viewers.
“One of the most important influences on young people — what your values are, how you will act, is generally influenced by television,” he told participants that included parents and students. “Are you capable of becoming an influence to media or do you just sit on your couch and wait?”
University of Asia & the Pacific Center for Research and Communication Director Bernardo Villegas and National Council for Children’s Television project officer Josa Marie Salazar served as panelists for the discussion on “Empowering the Youth through Media.”
Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines President Nicco de Jesus and Pauline Institute for Communication in Asia Director Sr. Consolata Manding, FSP served as speakers in discussions on “TV and Film Consumption Habits and the Needs of Young Filipino Audiences” and “The Media, Youth and Social Communications,” respectively.
Media personalities Suzie Abrera, Nina Corpuz, Shawn Yao, Pia Arcangel, JP Ong and Ginger Conejero served as open forum moderators.
Hosted by actors Robi Domingo and Bianca Umali, the forum featured performances from “The Voice Kids” contestants and the “Rak of Aegis” cast. Ethan James M. Siat
