A group of 15 young writers from Bohol have recently completed a three-day training-workshop on environmental journalism, aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge on reporting about the pressing issues and challenges of the climate crisis.
The training-workshop, titled “Environmental Journalism in the Period of Climate Crisis”, was held from November 24 to 26, 2023, at the JJ’s Seafoods Village in Tagbilaran City. It was organized by the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council – Literary Arts Committee of the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD), in cooperation with Kaliwat ni Karyapa, a local organization of creative writers.
The participants were student writers from The Word of Holy Name University, and from Cristal Blare of Cristal E College, as well as members of Kaliwat ni Karyapa. They underwent lectures, workshops, and field visits on various topics related to environmental journalism, such as biodiversity, marine ecosystem, geodiversity, creative non-fiction, citizen journalism, photo-video journalism, and marine pollution.
According to Cooper Resabal, the project leader and a member of the BACH Council, the training-workshop aimed to develop the capability of the young writers to report about environmental concerns, issues and solutions, and to amplify local voices through stories, photo essays, and short documentaries.
“The climate crisis is a global problem that affects everyone, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society. As writers, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to raise awareness and inspire action through our words and images. We hope that this training-workshop will equip our young writers with the necessary tools and techniques to produce quality and relevant environmental journalism,” Resabal said.
As part of the training-workshop, the participants also had a half-day guided field experience in Cabawan, Maribojoc, and in the Asin Tibuok area of Alburquerque, where they observed and interviewed the local communities and stakeholders on how they are coping with the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and environment.
The participants then presented their write-ups and photo essays, including videos of their field experience, on the third day of the training-workshop. A panel of three composed of F. Jordan Carnice, Sherwin Sapong and Cooper Resabal commented on their works and gave constructive feedback and suggestions.
Emy Pinos, officer-in-charge of CCAD, opened the training-workshop and expressed her support and appreciation to the organizers and participants. She also encouraged the young writers to continue honing their craft and to use their talents for the common good.
The training-workshop was made possible with the support of the Provincial Government of Bohol, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).