TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) conducted a peer support program for journalists in Leyte on September 26, 2024, in San Jose, Tacloban City.
Peer support involves providing assistance and guidance from colleagues or individuals who share similar experiences, such as journalists helping fellow journalists. These programs typically offer emotional and psychological support, practical assistance, and foster community-building.
In Leyte, several media practitioners who have experienced harassment, red-tagging, intimidation, and censorship while covering difficult and dangerous stories were given stress debriefing, advice, and connections to legal aid and safety training, especially those facing threats or lawsuits.
Ronalyn Olea, NUJP Secretary-General, led the program in coordination with the NUJP Leyte Chapter, chaired by Jasmin Bonifacio.
At least 12 journalists from Leyte, along with a few observers, participated in the program. The NUJP Leyte Chapter expressed gratitude for the support, noting that it significantly helped them cope with anxiety and stress.
“It’s truly a relief that NUJP has programs like this. It’s a big help for us who experience threats. Knowing that support like this exists makes us realize we are not alone and that we have something to rely on in times of crisis. Thank you, NUJP!” Bonifacio said.
NUJP’s peer support initiatives aim to build a network where journalists can share their experiences, offer support, and access resources to help them navigate challenging situations.
