DepEd backs MMDA drive vs sexy billboards

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday expressed its support for the government’s campaign against billboards which feature scantily clad models to protect the youth from being exposed to lewd pictures every time they go into the streets.

In a statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that images in public places should reflect time-honored Filipino values as the young are inevitably exposed to them every day.

“DepEd believes that our streets are the classrooms of real life and what our students and young people see and experience on the way to and from school must be consistent with Filipino values and what parents hope they can learn in school,” he added.

Since last week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been taking down billboards showing people in sexy poses or skimpy attire, not because of the advertisements’ “obscene” content but due to violations of the building code or their operators’ lack of permits.

The move has generated mixed reactions from the public.

But Luistro backed the campaign, saying: “Unlike other media forms, parents cannot easily safeguard minors from billboards that are found in our highways.”

The crackdown on sexy billboards was sparked by a complaint received by the MMDA from Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos about an advertisement showing members of the country’s rugby team, the Philippine Volcanoes, in their underwear.

After the billboard was rolled down, the agency started looking at other advertisements, mostly those displayed on Edsa.

Tina Velasco, MMDA assistant general manager and spokesperson, said on Sunday that a committee to be headed by Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman has been formed to regulate billboard content.