PRESIDENTIAL communications operations office Secretary Martin Andanar yesterday eyed television and radio stations to be used as platforms for delivering aids to northern Mindanao entrepreneurs including practicing journalists during the pandemic.
Andanar reiterated that the government has continuously supported economic growth through the creation of a business-friendly environment that is conducive for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Meeting with the media workers from Northern Mindanao through 'Tambayayong,' Andanar suggested a program, which will be aired on Tv and radio, to alleviate the challenges that are faced by the farmers, fisherfolks, and other micro and small enterprises.
“The idea is to be able to help growers, entrepreneurs and workers in Region 10,” said Andanar adding that with the cooperation of the private media networks, he is sure this will become a success.
The secretary cited a program from Thailand where a TV and radio show is produced to help augment the income of their farmers.
"It was headed by their minister, they were joined by artists in their online selling and they were able to raise so much. They were able to sell products that were produced by their local farmers," Andanar added.
Together with Philippine Information Agency Director General Ramon Cualoping, Andanar hopes to improve on the idea and urges the local and national media to collaborate on the said program.
Andanar said media practitioners were greatly affected with the implementation of community quarantine in the region, thus needing assistance.
Andanar said he is in close coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sec. Silvestre Bello to provide immediate assistance to displaced workers through the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act 2.
He also cited livelihood and loan assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) particularly the newspaper owners.
Furthermore, Andanar said they are prioritizing the passage of the Media Workers’ Welfare Act to ensure availment of livelihood, housing programs, regular employment, security of tenure, and health benefits for the media workers.
'Tambayayong' is one of the first virtual meetings with the media facilitated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to obtain updates on the events in the region amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Recthie Paculba/PIA10)
