DAGUPAN CITY, June 30 (PIA) - The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS)  conducted its monthly webinar series dubbed ‘Moving 4Ward’ for over 70 media practitioners and information officers from the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). 

The webinar is in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, and the Freedom of Information - Project Management Office which aims to help safeguard press freedom on media coverage during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and the 2022 elections.

Dr. Freddie Gomez, current host of CNN’s MedTalk/Health Talk, shared preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The media holds the key role in providing the public with clear, understandable first hand information, while promoting behaviour that allows people to protect their health and that of their loved ones,” Dr. Gomez said.

Veteran journalist Melo Acuna, discussed safety measures during the election coverage saying a reporter will survive election coverages if the audience will see fairness and objectivity in the work, guided by the Code of Ethics.

“In any coverage, you must protect your most valuable asset - yourself,” Melo said.

He further stated: “Our intention is to protect each and everyone of you. We want to see you alive, well and kicking. Ayaw natin na may malagas dahil sa sakit o dahil sa pulitika,”

Egco also vowed the unwavering commitment of this government in bringing to justice perpetrators of threats and violence against media workers through a dedicated agency such as the PTFoMS. 

By virtue of Administrative Order No. 1 issued in 2016 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the PTFoMS was created to protect the life, liberty and security of media workers and to provide a safe environment for them. (JCR/VHS/PIA Pangasinan)