Negros occidental: Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez highlighted the positive social effect of partnerships between local government units (LGUs) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), now celebrating its 40th anniversary. “The partnership between the MTRCB and LGUs is a model for building a creative economy grounded in innovation and integrity,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, last year, as mayor of Victorias City, Benitez led the collaboration with the MTRCB through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with MTRCB Chairperson Diorella Maria Sotto-Antonio. Under the MOU, the MTRCB assists Victorias City in promoting and increasing both awareness and practical knowledge of the film and television classification and ratings system and provides content in media literacy and similar fora.

The conduct of the ‘Responsableng Panonood’ seminar and the signing of the MOU have shown that ‘media literacy programs help shape empathy and responsible behavior among the youth’ in the city. “Local schools have reported fewer incidents of bullying and aggression among children,” Benitez said.

As chairperson of the House of Representatives special committee on creative industries, the Negrense lawmaker noted that the creative sector also contributes to advancing responsible viewership and national development. He cited the creative sector’s growing contribution of 7.3 percent to the country’s gross domestic product and more than six million jobs nationwide.

“As we champion creative freedom, we must also recognize that representation matters,” Benitez said as he encouraged the MTRCB to remain open to LGBTQ+ themes and narratives. Moreover, he commended the MTRCB for “four decades of integrity, responsibility, and service to the Filipino viewing public” and its “transformation from a censoring body into a strong advocate for media literacy and creative empowerment.”