In its inaugural
reporting program in the Philippines ,
the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) will partner with news
organizations to transform coverage of environmental issues.
Myriad environmental problems – such as pollution,
deforestation, and climate change – directly threaten quality of life in the Philippines ,
yet these issues receive inadequate news media coverage. In addition, much of the reporting being done
lacks depth and excludes the voices of those most affected by environmental
degradation, especially women.
To address this critical coverage gap, the IWMF will offer
its first-ever Environmental Investigative Reporting Fellowship. The IWMF announces the new program today
(June 6) on World Environment Day.
During the year-long fellowship, 10 journalists will receive
advanced training and coaching to produce innovative reports about
environmental problems and solutions, incorporating women’s role in and
perspectives on environmental issues.
Each will complete 3-4 investigations for their news organizations. Through the IWMF fellowship, these journalists
will become environmental reporting specialists.
Selected fellows include: Bernardino Balabo, news editor for
Mabuhay, host of Puntong Bulacan program on 90.3 FM Radyo Bulacan and
correspondent for Central Luzon Business Week, Punto Central Luzon, the
Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon; Rouchelle Dinglasan, a producer for
GMA News; Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, a journalist for Interaksyon.com; Keith
Bacongco, a journalist for MindaNews;
Rhodina Villanueva, reporter the Philippine Star; Anna Valmero,assistant
producer with LOQAL.ph, an online magazine; Marilou Guieb, correspondent for
the BusinessMirror; Kristine L. Alave,
reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer;; Riziel Ann Cabreros,
producer for “PIPOL on ANC,” a news magazine program on ABS-CBN News Channel;;
and Purple Romero, reporter for Rappler, a social news network.
Funded by Dole Food Company Inc., the environmental
reporting program will draw on the IWMF’s proven training model, which features
long-term, transformative training, empowerment of women journalists and a
commitment of institutional support from top management of local media
companies.
Founded in 1990, the IWMF is the only nonprofit organization
working exclusively to strengthen the role of women in the news media
worldwide. The IWMF has conducted
programs in 25 countries, and its network includes women and men in the media
in more than 130 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit www.iwmf.org.
