What's the difference between PG and SPG?

The MTRCB (Movies and Television Review and Classification Board) has just implemented a new rating called SPG (Striktong Patnubay at Gabay or Strong Parental Guidance) in addition to the existing ones: GP (General Patronage), PG (Parental Guidance), PG-13, For Adults Only and X (cannot be shown).

You may be asking: What’s the difference between SPG and PG? So that we, especially parents, will know, Funfare is printing “uncensored” the welcome remarks of MTRCB chief Grace Poe-Llamanzares (photo):

Good afternoon, media partners, network representatives and MTRCB deputies.We thank you for your presence here this afternoon. It must be acknowledged that without your cooperation, your personal initiatives and corporate commitment for social responsibility, we will not be able to successfully implement our new classification system for television. 

From the onset, the goal of this Board is to strike a balance between upholding freedom of expression, and creative freedom for the network stakeholders at the same time safeguard the inherent right of parents to protect their children.

For years, the tug of war was between those who pushed the limits of artistic freedom, against those that were considered conservatives for supposedly upholding good moral standards. The efforts of both camps are not without merit. However, taken for granted in the process were the most defenseless members of our society. Our children.

Many here if not all members of our Board believe that adults can basically decide for themselves, right or wrong and watch whatever they like. The truth is a third of our population or 34 percent are 14 years of age and below, and since television is the most prevalent form of media, the MTRCB needs to be extra cautious when considering policies and regulations.

Self-regulation has been the battle cry of many from the movie and TV industries. I personally am for self-regulation. From the time the MTRCB was created, the foundation for self-regulation was not laid out very clearly. This is something that is not achieved overnight! Lest it becomes burdensome and suffer a backlash from the public. To have a self-regulating body in the industry, the key components are: audience awareness + audience empowerment  + industry accountability = our gold standard which is our pot of gold and reward = self-regulation.

The nuclear family is the most important unit of society and if the family is not protected, any initiative for national progress will have little chance of success. The foundation of a child is molded and strengthened at home. If the foundation of a child is weak, nation building cannot be possible. 

Network producers are aware that with the SPG classification, we encourage them to know the content of their programs because they will have to specify exactly what in their content warrants an SPG-rating. They cannot just slap an SPG rating without indicating if it is the violence, the sex or language that make it such.

Today, we ask our partners in the television industry to join us in our campaign to explain to the public the meaning and importance of classification.

Let us get the members of the Filipino household to take part in our campaign.

The MTRCB Board is not trying to pull its weight by citing a regulation that will compel networks whether they like it or not to show the ad. What we are trying to foster is mutual cooperation.

This is our chance to show that we are working hand in hand to prove that the television industry is serious in its pursuit of responsible self-regulation.

Our efforts will not be wasted...The average Filipino Child watches 21 hours of television programming per week. The MTRCB cannot be physically monitoring every single household. With the classification advisory, we are able to develop a sense of responsibility among the parents to take an active role in monitoring the viewing habits of their children.

    ‘Ang  Tamang Gabay ay Naguumpisa sa Bahay.’

Imelda Ilanan and Ben Avancena with children (from left) Mikhail, Maricel (Laxa-Pangilinan) and Melvin

In line with our TVC launch, the MTRCB is proud to feature the family of Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villarroel to be the symbol of our campaign. Theirs is an inspiring Filipino family. Beautiful, responsible, involved and accomplished. A household led by two busy working parents who are able to raise to wonderful and intelligent children by making sure that they take the time to personally supervise and nurture their children in their vital growing years.

Imelda and Ben are a ‘Diamond Loveteam’

Nice to know that Imelda Ilanan and Ben Avancena have decided to come back for good after Ben filed an early retirement from Johnson & Johnson where he worked as vice president.

Ben’s work has brought him, Imelda and their sons Melvin (38) and Mikhail (22) to different parts of the world. Ben was first assigned in Singapore where they lived for nine years. That’s where Bulletin’s Cris Belen and I visited Imelda a few years back when we were there to interview Ricky Martin. The couple was staying at a high-rise in an elevated area and from the foyer we could see all of Singapore and…was it Malaysia yonder?

From Singapore, Ben was assigned in Shanghai where they lived for four years. Every now and then, he and Imelda would come home for short vacations. Now, they are back for good.

The couple has been married for 25 years, so that makes them a “Diamond Loveteam.”

Here’s to more years together for Imelda and Ben (a grandson

of the late Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, father of Ben’s mother Nini Quezon-Avancena).

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit http://www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on http://www.twitter/therealrickylo.)