A group of seven journalists from Mindanao, including a LiCAS.news contributor, underwent a three-day training workshop on “conflict-sensitive journalism” from November 12 to 14.
The training workshop, which was organized by the non-government Nonviolent Peaceforce and supported by DW Akademie, aimed to “expand the proficiencies” of media practitioners handling “conflict-sensitive stories” especially in the Bangsamoro region.
Among those who attended the workshop is Divina Suson who contributes stories to LiCAS.news from the city of Iligan in Mindanao.
The other participants are Elnathan Brant Ermac of the nongovernment Pakigdait, Inc., Ghiner Cabanday of DXIC RMN on Iligan, Nef Luczon of the Philippine News Agency, Bonita Ermac of Manila Bulletin, Merlyn Manos of GMA 7, Roxanne Arevalo of ABS-CBN News, and Rigine Clyr Arraz of NewsLine.ph.
“The workshop aims to help journalists to positively influence the outcome of conflict by understanding its nature and dynamics and to learn the various ways of analyzing it,” said Marlon Dedumo, communication officer of Nonviolent Peaceforce.
He said the organization has been “accompanying the peace process” in Mindanao for 13 years as the first international NGO to become a member of the civilian protection component of the talks.
“Considering the influence of media and journalists in conflicts, we see conflict-sensitive journalism as a tool for media workers to be part of the peace force,” said Dedumo.
The training workshop stressed that journalists should develop the consciousness that it is part of their professional duty to build peaceful communities.
The course introduced participants to the concept of “conflict-sensitive journalism” as a way for media to positively influence the outcome of conflicts.
The course also provided an in-depth view into the transition of the Bangsamoro region, which is a result of the landmark peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
