Mabuhay news editor, 9 other journalists win fellowship

 In its inaugural reporting program in the Philippines, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) will partner with news organizations to transform coverage of environmental issues.

Myriad environmental problems – such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change – directly threaten quality of life in the Philippines, yet these issues receive inadequate news media coverage.  In addition, much of the reporting being done lacks depth and excludes the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation, especially women.

To address this critical coverage gap, the IWMF will offer its first-ever Environmental Investigative Reporting Fellowship.  The IWMF announces the new program today (June 6) on World Environment Day.

During the year-long fellowship, 10 journalists will receive advanced training and coaching to produce innovative reports about environmental problems and solutions, incorporating women’s role in and perspectives on environmental issues.  Each will complete 3-4 investigations for their news organizations.  Through the IWMF fellowship, these journalists will become environmental reporting specialists.

Selected fellows include: Bernardino Balabo, news editor for Mabuhay, host of Puntong Bulacan program on 90.3 FM Radyo Bulacan and correspondent for Central Luzon Business Week, Punto Central Luzon, the Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon; Rouchelle Dinglasan, a producer for GMA News; Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, a journalist for Interaksyon.com; Keith Bacongco, a journalist for MindaNews;  Rhodina Villanueva, reporter the Philippine Star; Anna Valmero,assistant producer with LOQAL.ph, an online magazine; Marilou Guieb, correspondent for the BusinessMirror; Kristine L. Alave,  reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer;; Riziel Ann Cabreros, producer for “PIPOL on ANC,” a news magazine program on ABS-CBN News Channel;; and Purple Romero, reporter for Rappler, a social news network.

Funded by Dole Food Company Inc., the environmental reporting program will draw on the IWMF’s proven training model, which features long-term, transformative training, empowerment of women journalists and a commitment of institutional support from top management of local media companies.

Founded in 1990, the IWMF is the only nonprofit organization working exclusively to strengthen the role of women in the news media worldwide.  The IWMF has conducted programs in 25 countries, and its network includes women and men in the media in more than 130 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit www.iwmf.org.