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Evelyn Macairan - The Philippine Star
February 17, 2026 | 12:00am
A woman checks her phone for messages and updates on social media.
Ryan Baldemor
MANILA, Philippines — Catholics can practice digital media fasting this Lenten season as excessive exposure to streaming and gaming weakens their “interior life,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.
In a two-page pastoral letter, CBCP president and Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Gilbert Garcera clarified that digital media fasting is not “anti-technology,” but an opportunity to allow Christ to guide people in their use of media.
“Constant connectivity leaves little room for silence and reflection. Many struggle to be present to God and others because screens constantly demand attention. Digital media fasting helps restore balance and reminds us that technology must serve human life – not dominate it,” Garcera said.
The 40-day Lenten season begins on Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday.
Kids’ safety on social media
Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) has welcomed the Senate’s move to advance the proposed Children’s Safety in Social Media Act.
AmCham emphasized the importance of promoting digital innovation, respecting data privacy and ensuring practical and enforceable compliance standards.
“We believe that child online safety is best achieved through a whole-of-society approach, combining clear platform accountability, strong parental empowerment, digital literacy and education and sustained public-private collaboration,” the group said. — Louella Desiderio
