The National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) officially launches its Child-Friendly Content Standards (CFCS) at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City last April 12.
By virtue of Section 9 of the Republic Act No. 8370, or the Children’s Television Act of 1997, NCCT shall require each broadcasting network a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the daily total air time for child-friendly shows as part of the network’s responsibility of serving the public.
In a message by Department of Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua read by NCCT Executive Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, he mentioned: “This set of standards allows us government agencies and other stakeholders that are involved in shaping the future generations of Filipinos to be in-step with the quick-paced information revolution, keeping Filipino values intact, and ensuring that children gain proper knowledge and are not led astray by negative content.”
Mr. Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, NCCT Executive Director
The Standards, which underwent several drafts and consultations from 2012, aims to promote more child-friendly content through airing of child-friendly television shows across the country. Pursuant to the Standards, broadcast of children’s television programs and child-friendly television programs shall be aired between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and/or between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., taking into consideration other activities necessary or desirable for their balanced development.
According to the rules and regulations of the CFCS, children’s television programs shall be: educational or must promote, protect, and develop the child’s physical, emotional, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being; value-laden or must foster and nurture the positive value formation and overall development of a child; and age-appropriate or must be suitable according to the formative and developmental stages of a child.
Child-friendly television programs on the other hand, are programs that are not specifically intended for viewing by children but can be considered if they meet specific set criteria covering theme, value, dialogue, language, nutrition, sex and nudity, violence, substance use, gambling, and advertisements. The said criteria also apply for children’s television programs.
Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan, NCCT Chairperson
Every broadcast network required by law to allot at least 15% of its daily total airtime for children’s programs and/or child-friendly program content shall submit a monthly compliance report. However, this requirement shall be complied by every broadcast network gradually in order to give them enough time to comply with the law.
From the date of effectivity until December 31, 2019, the compliance to the minimum 15% shall be on a voluntary basis. Beginning January 1 to December 30, 2020, every broadcast network shall have at least five percent (5%) compliance, while at least 10% minimum allotment should be attained beginning January 1 to December 31, 2021. The required 15% of the total everyday airtime for children’s programs and/or child-friendly programs shall be fully complied within 2022.
