BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim receives Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez on November 24, 2023, at the Office of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of BARMM Chief Minister Facebook Page)
COTABATO CITY—Potential advancements of media in the Bangsamoro region through reinforcing professionalism in responsible journalism were tackled on Nov. 24 during the courtesy visit of Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez with Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.
By virtue of Administrative Order No. 1, approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte, the PTFoMS was created to protect the lives, liberty, and security of media workers in the Philippines.
Usec. Gutierrez primarily discussed with CM Ebrahim the proposal to enact a measure that caters to the protection of media people and promotes media literacy in the BARMM, saying, “The Media Welfare Act would increase their professionalism.”
The Executive Director also mentioned that by implementing the media law, the Bangsamoro Government can already achieve an ‘all-encompassing’ development of its sectors.
He also shared the proposed March 2024 Media Summit, previously coordinated with the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), which aims at fostering an ethical, professional, and responsible style of journalism among media practitioners and information officers, aligned with the campaign of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), centered on media literacy.
CM Ebrahim then expressed his optimism about supporting the suggested legislation and programs, mainly addressing concerns regarding the welfare of Bangsamoro media workers.
“There must really be a transformation. In case of challenges, we have to do something,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
Together with Usec. Gutierrez were Atty. Hue Yro Go and Editha Caduaya.
Also present during the visit were BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto and Deputy Executive Director Ali Macabalang.
The discussion on the possibilities to enact legislation, conduct relevant activities, and improve security—all benefiting the media population—is aligned with the first and 11th priorities under the Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda of CM Ebrahim. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
