To equip current knowledge on mitigating air pollution, a Bagwis Editorial Writer undertook the Pathways for Clean Air and Clean Energy (PCACE) Journalism Fellowship and the 11th Better Air (BAQ) Conference 2023 held at Manila, Philippines on November 13-17, 2023.
Leonard E. Tucjayao, a 3rd-year Political Science student from MSU-Gensan, was one of the 10 journalists and communicators across the Philippines who was chosen to participate in the environmental journalism fellowship wherein Clean Air Asia's invitation was sent to Positive Youth Development Network, Inc. and forwarded to Political Science Students Organization where Tucjayao is the current president.
"I am just so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the said environmental journalism fellowship and the Better Air Quality Conference, especially to Clean Air Asia, the Asian Development Bank, and other partner organizations. But of course to Sir Tj Dimacali, Ma'am Regina Francisco, and Ma'am Valerie Gabiana for approving my application," Tucjayao cited.
The said conference was attended by known news outlets in the Philippines including Rappler, PH Daily Inquirer, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, and selected campus organizations and student publications in the country.
"Looking at myself as a campus journalist since grade school, sitting alongside these veteran and well-known media publications felt so unreal," Tucjayao said.
The five-day conference included a two-day pre-event, foras, a series of plenary and breakout sessions and dialogues, trainings, and seminar-workshops, tackling issues on air pollution and advocating for better air quality and climate change mitigation.
Moreover, the speakers were from the Clean Air Asia, Asian Development Bank, World Health Organization, European Union, GoTo Group, representatives of Asian national governments, and other international bodies.
During the plenary opening remarks, Bjarne Pedersen, Executive Director of Clean Air Asia, emphasized the importance of establishing agreement among various stakeholders as a core aspect of Clean Air Asia's mission.
"Building consensus among stakeholders is fundamental to our mission at Clean Air Asia. The BAQ conferences have proven invaluable in coordinating our efforts, strengthening governance, and uniting communities in the pursuit of positive transformation that is needed," Lohani stressed.
"I am just really grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity, to everyone behind the BAQ2023. And I pray that we could amplify the call for a cleaner and sustainable air quality through our local government initiatives," Tucjayao added.
The BAQ Conference 2023 was the largest gathering on air quality and climate change in Asia, covering issues on industry, transportation, agriculture, energy, waste management, and urban development, with a particular emphasis on government policies.
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