Marcos cites media’s role in galvanizing public support for government programs

MANILA, Philippines — The media plays a key role in national development by helping spread the government’s message and galvanize public support for its programs, President Marcos said last Friday.

Speaking at Malacañang during the courtesy call by officers of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), Marcos said his administration’s plans and ambitions for the country can only be achieved if there is a unified effort from all Filipinos.

“So, the pledge of support and to bring our message to the people is an important one. It is something that those of us who are in government consider to be an integral part of whether we are successful or not,” the President said.

“And by that, I mean that we need to know that everyone understands what we are trying to do, everyone understands what they can do to help, everyone understands why and the method of what we are trying to achieve. And that is the most important thing for us,” he added.

The Chief Executive said that bringing the government’s message across is the key to galvanizing the rest of the country’s citizenry to work hand in hand with the state, private sector, small communities, the micro, small and medium enterprises and all other sectors to attain development.

If that information is channeled to the public and the message is out there, then people will put their shoulder behind the wheel and work toward a collective goal, he said.

Marcos expressed gratitude to RMN for its support and congratulated all its officers, led by the Canoy family, for the good work they have done.

“Thank you very much for all the years that RMN has been there to clarify things, to make things more understandable for people and for helping in the national drive to a stronger economy,” he said.

The Makati-based RMN is one of the largest and leading radio networks in the country.

DXCC, the network’s first radio station, was established in Cagayan de Oro City in 1952.

In a speech during an event organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club in October, Marcos urged the media to help effectively communicate government efforts to the public as he vowed to protect free speech and press freedom in the country.