ILOILO City – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has brought its nationwide media literacy campaign to Iloilo City, highlighting growing concerns over children’s exposure to unregulated online content while signaling openness to expanding its mandate to cover digital platforms.
During the MTRCB PROTECT Responsableng Panonood Program held in the city on March 14, MTRCB chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Gamboa Sotto underscored the urgency of educating communities as the agency currently has no authority over online streaming, social media, and user-generated content platforms.
“We are going around the country and doing the very best we can because the MTRCB’s mandate and jurisdiction are very limited. We are limited only to television programs and movies to regulate,” Sotto said.
Because of these limitations, Sotto said the agency has intensified its media literacy campaign to educate communities, parents, and teachers on responsible viewing habits and online safety.
“That’s why we took it upon ourselves to go around and teach media literacy in our barangays and communities,” she said. “What we want to accomplish is to equip and empower parents, supervising adults, and teachers so they can monitor the viewing habits of children.”
Sotto pointed out that the rapid rise of online streaming services, social media platforms, and user-generated content sites has made digital content easily accessible to children and Filipino youth.
“We do not have jurisdiction over online streaming, social media services, and user-generated content platforms. These are very important because they are easily accessible to children today,” she said.
When asked if the agency is considering expanding its coverage to include online platforms, Sotto said such a move would require legislative action.
“That’s something I will leave to Congress, to the legislators, to the wisdom of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and of course the President. It’s up to them,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that regulating online platforms may become necessary as digital technologies continue to evolve.
“In my opinion, yes, it should be considered,” Sotto said, citing concerns over emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) that may pose risks to young audiences.
“With the emergence of AI, it can be very dangerous especially to the lives of our children,” she added.
The MTRCB chair said the agency is currently adapting its programs to address these challenges by expanding its Responsableng Panonood campaign to include discussions about digital safety and online responsibility.
“We are explaining not only the PROTECT framework but also security measures, reporting features, parental control features, and safeguards available on different platforms, especially social media,” she said.
Sotto said many parents and supervising adults may not be technologically savvy, making awareness campaigns even more crucial.
“Not many of us are technologically literate, especially our generation. We are not as techy as the children today,” she said. “That’s why we need to spread awareness and educate everyone.”/PN