TACLOBAN CITY — Journalists from Leyte and Samar have completed a four-day workshop on Climate Reporting: Turning Adversities into Constructive Opportunities, equipping them with new tools, field insights, and story ideas to strengthen environmental journalism in the region.
The training, held from August 14 to 16, organized by VERA Files in partnership with Samar Chronicle and co-funded by the European Union, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and International Media Support (IMS), combined lectures, site visits, and hands-on story development.
On the first day, Judah Singzon Aliposa, Private Sector Representative for Disaster Resiliency of the Regional Development Council VIII, explained climate change from Philippine and global perspectives, highlighting political and economic challenges, solutions, and forecasts. Dr. Ronald Libanan Orale of Samar State University followed with lessons from Super Typhoon Yolanda, stressing smarter urban planning, water-sensitive designs, and responsive governance for climate resilience.
Participants then split into two groups for field visits. One team observed the DOST’s RainS-Tech project, which helps communities prepare for flooding and rainfall changes. The other met with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for updates on the controversial Tacloban Causeway Project.
DPWH engineers outlined the project’s design, airport link, and possible effects on Cancabato Bay, while CHR Commissioner Beda Angeles Epres discussed the agency’s response to public complaints. At the Balyuan Amphitheatre, Jerx Aliposa of Save Kankabatok Bay voiced opposition to the project, warning of environmental damage and threats to fishing livelihoods.
Marine biologist Prof. Leni Yap-Dejeto and former DOE Undersecretary now with PH Haiyan Advocacy Pete Ilagan later shared findings showing the bay remains biologically active, challenging claims that it is “dead.” Discussions lasted until evening, with journalists actively engaging in debate.
The second day focused on media integrity. Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files President, spoke on the dangers of climate disinformation and its impact on public trust and daily life. Blanch Ancla, senior reporter, tackled greenwashing and misleading environmental claims.
That afternoon, Voltaire Tupaz of FYT Media EO and LyfSolutions, Inc. led a workshop on constructive journalism, guiding participants in drafting solution-focused stories based on their fieldwork.
On the final day, August 16, participants received their certificates of completion and presented story proposals for possible funding through VERA Files’ climate reporting grants.
“I am happy that I was able to attend this kind of seminar because I learned new things and techniques in reporting that could catch the attention of the new generation readers. I’m thankful to VERA Files and the funders as well,” said JM Somino of Samar Chronicle.
Representatives from Kauswagan Radyo, West Leyte Weekly Express, Infinite Radio Calbayog, San Juanico TV, Samar Chronicle, Southern Leyte Times, SamarNews.com, Eastern Visayas Mail, and Star Radio Catbalogan took part in the event.
“This training is not just about reporting climate problems — it’s about telling the whole story, including solutions that communities can act on,” said Tordesillas.
