BAYBAY CITY, Leyte– About 20 campus journalists from various colleges and universities across Leyte will take part in the Green Beat Caravan, an environmental journalism bootcamp jointly organized by the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) and the Visayas State University–Department of Development Communication (VSU-DDC) from May 1 to 3.
“We’re grateful to AYEJ for choosing VSU as a partner for this initiative. Given Leyte’s high vulnerability to natural disasters—typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, and forest fires—we need young environmental storytellers to shape the narrative of resilience and protection,” said assistant professor Ulderico Alviola, VSU-DDC chairperson.
Participants will come from institutions including Leyte Normal University, City College of Ormoc, Palompon Institute of Technology, Abuyog Community College, Eastern Visayas State University, Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception, and VSU.
Val Amiel Vestil, AYEJ executive director, emphasized that the program aims to equip student journalists with not only technical reporting skills but also tools for navigating the challenges of environmental journalism.
“As the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries for both environmental defenders and journalists, the training will also cover journalist safety, legal frameworks, and referral pathways,” said Vestil.
The bootcamp reflects the synergy between AYEJ’s journalism expertise and VSU’s long-standing commitment to environmental conservation. Organizers hope the collaboration will deepen youth understanding of the media’s role in promoting sustainability.
Formed in Dumaguete City in 2017, AYEJ is a youth-led nonprofit advocating environmental sustainability through media and education. It is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network–Youth.
This year’s Green Beat Caravan is supported by the Canadian government through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE).
Launched on December 1, 2024, the Caravan is being conducted in hybrid format, with in-person workshops held from January to June in Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City, Cebu City, Baybay City, Malolos City, and Naga City. It will culminate in a close-out conference during PACE’s 50th anniversary celebration in October 2025.
AYEJ is also partnering with the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, Internews, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines for the initiative.
(RONALD O. REYES)
