A print media group has called on the government's support in their time of need.
United Print Media Group (UPMG), an association of 32 major publication companies in the Philippines, is soliciting help by form of legislation from the House of Representatives and Senate to help them address their concerns.
UPMG President Barbie Atienza, during the House of Representatives Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts inquiry on Thursday, October 21, said that the print media is already in a critical situation and badly needs government assistance.
"This is a very important and vital industry that definitely needs a lot of help. We need to solicit help by form of legislation," said Atienza, who noted the challenges the print media are facing like natural calamities, pandemic, threats as well as the emergence of the digital industry and the cost of raw materials, taxes, among others.
Atienza also called on both houses of Congress to pass legislation to provide VAT exemption for purchases of paper and ink with prices going up which he said leads to the decline in purchase of paper.
According to Atienza, decreased publications will lead to less access and awareness of current events, the proliferation of fake news, decline in professional and responsible journalism, and less interest in reading and writing.
Atienza asked for VAT exemption for advertisers, tax reduction and tax assistance package for the print media industry which he said has been in a disaster even before the pandemic and is in dire need of help for the last few years.
He also suggested the inclusion of news and current affairs subjects in primary, secondary and tertiary education through the support of the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education..
House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts chairman and Pangasinan Rep. Christopher De Venecia said that they will now get to work on drafting and filing bills to help the print media industry to stay afloat and recover from the pandemic. (Melvin Sarangay)