August 12–16, 2024, Santa Mesa, Manila – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) actively participated in the Citizen Journalism and Advocacy Storytelling Workshop hosted by the Communication Foundation for Asia. This workshop, part of the INSPIRE project supported by USAID and managed by the Gerry Roxas Foundation, was dedicated to enhancing media engagement and environmental storytelling skills, crucial for driving behavior change in support of biodiversity conservation. The session marked the fifth in a series of communication training workshops aimed at bolstering the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for environmental preservation.
Day 1: Harnessing the Power of Media for Advocacy
The workshop commenced with an interactive World Cafe session, where participants explored the intersection of media and environmental advocacy. Dr. Hemmady S. Mora, EdD, a former Dean of the PUP College of Communication, underscored the significance of objectivity in journalism. The day continued with a Plenary Session, featuring prominent speakers like Mr. Victor Redmond “Red” Batario and Ms. Adelina Sevilla-Alvarez from the Center for Community Journalism and Development, along with Mr. Jaerold Marc Ramos from the Institute of Open and Distance Education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Their discussions emphasized the vital role of civic and community journalism in elevating the voices of marginalized communities.
photo credits to CFA
Day 2: The Art of News Writing
The second day was dedicated to mastering the fundamentals of news writing, led by Mr. Luis B. Gorgonio from the Philippine Information Agency. Participants then engaged in hands-on Expert Sessions on photojournalism, audio news production, video documentation, and the creation of newsletters and websites. Professionals from LiCAS.news Philippines and Radio Veritas Asia shared their expertise on the impact of visual and audio storytelling, while the CFA team provided guidance on video production and digital publication development.
Days 3-4: Creative Storytelling for Social Impact
During the third and fourth days, participants focused on crafting short films centered on critical environmental issues, such as land rights, illegal fishing, microplastics, and slash-and-burn agriculture. The fourth day introduced the concept of Social Impact Entertainment, further refining participants’ ability to create compelling, impactful narratives across various media platforms.
Day 5: Culmination and Celebration
The final day opened with a lecture on effective media engagement, highlighting the importance of viewing media as a strategic partner in advocacy. Participants then developed and presented Press Kits for their short films, showcasing their newly acquired skills. The workshop concluded with a ceremony where participants received Certificates of Completion, celebrating their enhanced proficiency in environmental storytelling.
This workshop not only equipped participants with essential journalism skills but also deepened their understanding of how to effectively use media for advocacy and environmental conservation. With this training, CCEF is now better positioned to protect the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef. By harnessing the power of citizen journalism, CCEF aims to amplify its conservation efforts, engage a broader range of stakeholders, and inspire collective action to safeguard this vital marine ecosystem.
