He’s almost everywhere from radio, TV and social media. Teacher, registered nurse and midwife, producer, broadcaster, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Carl E. Balita always seem to push his limits when it comes to his passion which is education. Now, as part of his advocacy, he’s launching his own digital show “Plataporma with Dr. Carl E. Balita,” which will be available starting today, November 8, 5PM at Dr. Carl E Balita’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, TikTok, also in The Manila Times platforms, DZME platforms and other channels.
When asked about being visible in every platforms, Dr. Carl Balita answers, “I’ve always been a communicator, an educator. I was on radio for the past twenty years of my life on DZMM. And on social media, on Facebook I have now 1.4M followers, I have a Silver Button from YouTube, I have 3.5M on TikTok. Sabi ko, sayang ‘yung resources to be able to reach out. I write for The Manila Times every Friday plus, I have 200 branches (of Carl Balita Review Center) which have very active social media pages. I have 15M engagements on my social media platforms every weeks. Sabi ko, why won’t I use these platforms to educate the public about this upcoming elections kasi I am both a survivor and a victim of it. Being a survivor and a victim on the same time, gives me a lot of insights to ano ba talaga ang dapat nating ipaabot sa Pilipino para makapamili tayo ng tama? Maraming magagaling na kandidato, lahat naman qualified, the question is, sino ba ang pipiliin DAPAT ng mga Pilipino to compliment ‘yung 12 (senators) na nandun na. I take this as a responsibility. I’m very glad The Manila Times took this as an opportunity to also have the content for their live streaming platform in their app. Other channels are also reaching out kaso ayoko kasing ibigay sa magbibigay sa akin ng restrictions on the questions I ask. Ayoko siyang ilagay sa platform na ie-edit out ‘yung ayaw nila marinig sa platform nila kasi this is taped as live. It’s clear to the candidates na whatever they say cannot be edited anymore. I don’t want to be restrained because this is going to be an in-depth conversation about what really matters.”
Imagine having the easiest platform to absorb for the masses. You only need to watch and listen as candidates, senatoriables and even those who are running for partylist, as they answer questions that are vital for the Filipino people to know. Not just the plans but how they will implement them, what are their views and stand on certain issues and more.
But first thing’s first, the pilot episode of Plataporma will feature Dr. Carl Balita interviewing Dr. Clarita Carlos.
Some of the questions the political scientist and professor will answer is: what is the job of a senator? What should be the qualifications the voters should look for for a senator? What should be the priority of the senators? Is there a senator she admired or admires?
These may be simple questions but they can actually help clarify things in order to vote right not just in the coming 2025 elections but in all elections that will happen. I have encountered some that doesn’t know what senators do, so they don’t actually care whether the person they are voting knows anything about Philippine law.
The first candidate Dr. Carl Balita will be lawyer, labor organizer and activist for human rights, climate justice and gender equality, Luke Espiritu. Upcoming episodes will feature Wilbert Lee, Teddy Casino and Leody de Guzman. Also scheduled for interviews are returning senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, lawyer Chel Diokno and more.
What a great initiative for the Filipino people it is. Hoping Plataporma will reach the audience it needs to reach and will enlighten the voters on who to choose in the coming elections.
Watch our coverage from the Plataporma with Dr. Carl Balita media conference below: