Children are smarter than we think, says Anak TV President

As the president of Anak TV, Elvira Go is not part of the judging committee that awards the best child-friendly programs on local television. But if she were, she would not give in to programs that feature strong violence or sexual content.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

"Remember, the ones watching TV are children, so we need to let them see some good values," Go told The FREEMAN in an interview when she attended Teatro de San Pedro's play "Mga Dula sa Paglaum."

Go explained that the "long process" of a program receiving the Anak TV Seal Awards begins with networks submitting their programming for consideration. Among the member networks of Anak TV are ABS-CBN, GMA, TV5, PTV, IBC, and Net25.

The first stage involves a recruited group of teachers, parents, and students selecting their favorite programs on television. The chosen programs are then evaluated by professionals such as doctors, nurses, government agencies, NGOs, and church leaders, who determine whether the shows are child-sensitive.

It's the second stage of judging that interests Go the most, as she considers it more objective than the first group's "subjective" critique.

"For example, 'Batang Quiapo.' They see Coco Martin and the parents already approve of it. But they don't realize that the show is quite violent. The second batch of judges will discuss whether to award the program or not. That's more interesting because they are coming from a more objective point of view," she said.

Once the professionals determine the winners, the board of directors, including Go, will inform the networks about which programs will receive awards, as well as which of their talents will be recognized as a "Makabata Star" - on-screen personalities considered positive influences on young viewers.