Public Journalism Interventions for Aklan Media

	Journalists from Aklan undergo a "structured learning exercise" during a public journalism workshop in the province of Capiz.

1.  Public Journalism Seminar in Boracay (FNS sponsored)

• participated in by media practitioners from Region 6, in 1998 ?? Aklan media Jay Tejada,. Dr. Ping Bullos of DY , community radio station run by ASCA (Aklan State College of Agriculture), among others.
• This was the first time the concept of Public Journalism was introduced to the participants.

• January 29-30 1999 at Pearl of the Pacific Beach Resort, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
• participated in by the multi-sectoral members of the Citizens Council for Social Concerns, supported by then Congr. Allen Quimpo as shown by his message.
• an assessment of CCSC programs & projects was undertaken, a re-crafting of the vision & mission of the Council was drawn based on new developments, 5-year goals were set, and a renewed team of Council members was affirmed.

• the involvement of the Aklan media was affirmed in this workshop.
• the participation of new representatives from some sectors were welcomed
• the concern of lack of follow-up activities of the CCSC was addressed.

• held on December 15-17 1999 at Hotel Esperanza, Kalibo, Aklan
• On the first day, the Civil Society (a multi-sectoral representation) underwent a workshop to describe issues & concerns of the different sectors, identified their role and that of media’s in Aklan. They put down on paper their hopes in terms of how they can strengthen their roles and how they can partner with the local media.
• On the second day, an interfacing session between civil society and media to clarify their respective roles and later, agree on doables.
• The third day saw a pure media participation wherein they went through a discussion of the concept of Public Journalism, how they can strengthen their roles as media to respond to changing needs of society. More inputs on their values as media (vis-à-vis press freedom & responsibility, ethics) and their personal values, and how they apply insights & learnings into a Public Journalism Action Plan.

• Mr. Jay Tejada had been in constant touch with the EBJF having been invited to share media & the CCSC experience on addressing a real issue, that of child sexual abuse in Aklan in PJ seminars in other provinces. He is a crucial media champion of PJ.
  
• Partnership with a local champion of PJ, that of the USWAG, an NGO in Aklan;
  
• Support of the Congressman & Governor for the CCSC and the efforts of media.
  
• Support and involvement of other Stations, and the KBP

• Overlooked the participation of media practitioners other than Jay T. of RGMA in the CCSC, and in other PJ initiatives. EBJF will address by getting feedback from them too.

• held April 9 2001 Bakhawan Eco-tourism Center, Barangay New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.
• Out of the invited 70 participants, approximately 55 attended coming from POs, NGOs, LGUs, NGAs across 17 municipalities of Kalibo.
• During this consultation which was facilitated by the media sector, the activity was introduced as part of the on-going project on Public Journalism of the EBJF (which is “a project for the people and the community media,” as Jay put it).
• The whole day affair was divided into 2 parts: in the morning, inputs were presented on situationer, problems & solutions of government in the areas of industry needs & skills training by the TESDA representative Mr. Eli Arensol (Specialist II), peace & order by the PNP repre. Col. Edwin Gabrines (Deputy Provincial Director), and on the environment particularly coastal management by a volunteer marine German Consultant Dr. Theo Ebbers. An Open Forum followed where some participants raised questions/comments validating information presented and inquiring about specific concerns in particular areas. The farmers group, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, BAYAN were some of those who interacted with the resource persons. After lunch, the group was divided into 7 concerns: women & children, education, health, economics …. Each group was facilitated by the media partners and USWAG answering 3 questions: what positive things do you want to see happening in Aklan 3 years from now, what are the 3 most pressing problems in this sector, and how can the elected officials help in solving these problems? (pls. see Jays’s documentation). Group/sector outputs were presented in a very creative manner: on colored paper and “flaglets” which showed a symbol of the sector being presented. Discussions & presentations were very interactive and lively.

• this was conducted during “Limog” live broadcast on … (see documentation of Jay Tejada & notes of Red & Girlie from their FGD) hosted by Jay Tejada, News Director of RGMA Kalibo. Three other radio stations are also allotting one hour for this noontime program every Friday for free to tackle issues and inform the public about election process. The COMELEC is a partner too in this endeavor.
  
• Candidates Forum: wherein the Peoples’ Agenda (a result of the Multi-Sectoral Consultation) was also presented by sectoral representatives to the candidates of the May 2001 elections during this noontime show.
  
• this activity is part of the “Limog it Pag-eaum” (Voice of Hope Radio Program of the RGMA Kalibo). This activity is a component of the Aklan project called Media in Partnership with the Community for Good Governance running from March to May assisted by the Public Journalism project of the EBJF. Other media implementators of the project are DYRU, DYMT, DYRG, PIA. The NGO USWAG is also an active partner, providing some guidelines, manpower and networking assistance.
  
• Roundtable Planning Discussions of the media, USWAG, and COMELEC in preparation for the Consultation and Presentation/Airing of Peoples’ Agenda & Candidates Forum on Air

• COMELEC commending the activity and the media behind it. The activity is helping the work of COMELEC .
  
• KBP Aklan Chapter is fully supporting said activity: has allowed free airtime of stations involved & its reporters’ time & energy, and has recommended to the KBP national to have the Public Journalism concept explained to other chapter presidents.