MANILA, (PIA) — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) and the Presidential Broadcasting Service’s Radyo Pilipinas signed a memorandum of agreement Thursday, February 27, to launch a weekly radio program dedicated to protecting journalists in the Philippines.
The program, which will pilot this Saturday, March 1, from 1 to 2 p.m. over Radyo Pilipinas DZRB (738 AM), will focus on the protection of life, liberty, and security of media workers, according to PTFoMS Executive Director, Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr.
“This is a program for all of us, so expect that media practitioners will be part of every episode,” Torres said during the signing ceremony held at the Philippine Information Agency, an organization he previously headed. “For the pilot episode, we’ll have the National Press Club of the Philippines and other government agencies we’ve invited for this Saturday.” The National Press Club is one of the oldest and biggest news organizations in the country.
The broadcast will air on both AM and FM frequencies, reaching a wider audience through simulcasting on DWFT 104.3 Capital FM and streaming on social media platforms.
Dindo Amparo, Director-General of the Presidential Broadcast Service, emphasized the expanded reach of the initiative.
“We’ve begun simulcasting our important programs, especially those in prime time, on FM because we saw the need to capitalize on the very huge market being enjoyed now by FM,” Amparo said.
The partnership aims to provide a platform for media organizations to report on-ground situations affecting journalists while also highlighting government programs designed to enhance their security.
PTFOMS, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to “proactively investigate and address all reported cases of threats and violence against journalists” and “strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure swift and effective action.”
Department of Justice Undersecretary Jessie Andres and lawyer Cedric Ang witnessed the signing ceremony.
The Philippines has historically been one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in Southeast Asia, with numerous cases of harassment, threats, and violence against media workers documented over the years. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo by: Jasrel G. Cortes / PIA-NCR trainee)
