Actor and Optical Media Board chairman Ronnie Ricketts and GMA news anchor Arnold Clavio grew up in different environments. Ricketts was a Catholic school kid; Clavio was a Tondo boy exposed to drug addicts and law violators. But they can’t agree more on one thing: the role of parents in child formation.
“Why did I not become an addict? I credit my family and the way I was raised,” said Clavio, one of the Anak TV youth ambassadors present at the launch of “Byaheng Bus at Barko (Para sa Bukas ng Bata),” a collection of public service announcements (PSA) made by the young people of Plan International in the Visayas. Ricketts said he never tried drugs, either, “never even smoked.” He also cites his family for his restraint.
Bullying ‘very real’
Of about 100 PSAs that tackle children’s issues—education problems, shortage of books and chairs, lack of clean restrooms in schools, lack of accessible roads, discrimination, drug addiction, child trafficking, bullying—Ricketts said he relates mostly to the latter. “Bullying is very real to me, although I was never a victim,” he said. “I’ve never been a weakling. I’m a born leader, a defender of the weak.”
Ricketts added: “Bullied kids feel pain, especially those who hide it from their elders. They cry for help when it’s too late.”
Close and constant communication with one’s parents will surely prevent the worst effects of the problem, said Ricketts. He himself was very close to his family, and always assured of their support.
As a filmmaker, he said he was amazed by the PSAs. “In a matter of 30 seconds, the kids were able to send clear and effective messages. What they say, they have experienced; that’s why sapul sa puso.”
Clavio said he himself was surprised because the 9- to 17-year-olds did not have intensive training in the craft. “There isn’t a lot of dialogue,” he noted, “but they tell a lot of stories.”
The PSAs will be shown on all voyages of Superferry, Negros Navigation and SuperCat vessels and all the bus lines of Genesis Transport Service as part of the awareness campaign for the protection of children.
“Instead of watching action or bold films during travel in bus or ships, passengers will learn about what our children go through, and perhaps be part of a solution,” said Clavio.
Rickets recalled telling Roberto del Rosario, president of Anak TV: “If you need me to ride a boat, or tour the Visayas, be a spokesperson for your campaign, or simply inspire the kids, I am available.”