October 28-30, Tagbilaran City, Bohol – CCEF joins the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA), “Amplifying Local Voices: A Collaborative Approach between Media and CSOs” learning exchange in partnership with the USAID INSPIRE Project and the Gerry Roxas Foundation at KEW Hotel, Tagbilaran City. This three-day event gathered local media personalities and civil society organization (CSO) partners from across the Visayas to foster collaboration and raise awareness on critical environmental issues.
The learning exchange aimed to empower media and CSO participants with strategies to craft and communicate environmental narratives that inspire local action and reinforce conservation efforts. Recognizing the essential role of local media in amplifying the impact of CSOs, the event emphasized how collaboration can drive meaningful public engagement on pressing environmental issues. Additionally, the event also emphasized the important role of CSO in simplifying complex jargon for media representatives, enabling them to effectively communicate environmental issues to the public.
Through interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, participants explored how compelling storytelling can shed light on challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, and marine conservation—topics often neglected in mainstream media due to their perceived lack of humanity. By emphasizing the personal and community impacts of these environmental issues, attendees learned how to humanize these narratives, making them more relatable and engaging for the public. This approach helps ensure that crucial conservation messages resonate and inspire action.
One of the event’s highlights was a breakout session led by Mr. Nicholson Tan, CCEF’s Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Officer, on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Mr. Tan highlighted the vulnerabilities of our marine and coastal habitats in the effects of climate change, addressing the impacts of rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events due to climate change.
On the last day, a local radio broadcaster from DYXV 98.3 Magikfm Tacloban, invited CCEF’s Communication and Development Officer, Mr. Justine Jace R. Baisac, to elaborate on the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef’s significance during a live interview. Mr. Baisac spoke on-air about the reef’s role in supporting marine biodiversity, local livelihoods, and coastal protection, and addressed the threats it faces, such as overfishing and pollution. He used this opportunity to invite the community to join in CCEF’s conservation initiatives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for protecting this vital marine heritage.
CCEF’s participation in the learning exchange reinforced its dedication to innovative, community-focused advocacy for conservation. By connecting with media professionals and fellow advocates, CCEF explored collaborative strategies for transforming environmental challenges into compelling stories that inspire collective action throughout the Visayas. The gathering highlighted the impact of uniting media and CSOs in strengthening environmental advocacy, amplifying local voices, and fostering real progress toward a sustainable future. It was a powerful reminder of the potential that comes from working together to address the pressing issues facing our environment.
