"Journalism, in particular, is under threat; freedom of expression has become increasingly challenging in recent times."
This was the statement of Dirgha Raj Sigdel, Country Director of forumZFD, during the recent Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between Mindanao State University - GenSan, Media Educators at Mindanao (MEM), and forumZFD, on June 18.
The MOU aims to promote conflict-sensitive journalism and communication (CSJC) at the university through a two-part campaign: an online CSJC modular course and face-to-face workshops with faculty members from GenSan-based academic institutions.
"Notably, out of the 15 schools involved in the training, we are the first university to re-echo the CSJC," Najifah P. Macaraya, university faculty member and MEM member said.
Course Planning
"This preparatory course will introduce participants to key concepts such as peace, conflict, and violence, before the intensive face-to-face training. This will equip participants with the skills to integrate these concepts into their teaching," explained Marco Aguja, faculty member and MEM member.
The first online course is scheduled for June 29, followed by the second and third courses on July 6 and July 13, respectively. The dates for the face-to-face workshops are yet to be finalized.
The project also aims to institutionalize conflict-sensitive journalism courses within the university upon completion of the two-part campaign.
"The program will not end there. Following the program, we will monitor and offer ongoing support to participating educators from different higher education institutions," Aguja added.
"As a university dedicated to peace, we must be part of this initiative. By offering special programs within our capacity, we can address the needs of our community," Dr. Mario Aguja stated, hinting at future plans for the project.
Dr. Mario Aguja, IPDM Director, also noted that Najifah P. Macaraya and Marco Aguja, both former MEM members, will lead the special courses in the future.
Challenges in Communication
Marco Aguja emphasized the inherent challenges in integrating conflict-sensitive journalism into academia.
"During conflicts, I find myself caught in the rhetoric, publishing insults, and consuming biased media. These cycles fuel further conflict," Aguja said.
He further highlighted the context of Mindanao, an area with ‘high conflict’ but also ‘immense promise’.
"Mindanao holds immense promise, yet it also grapples with long-standing conflicts," Aguja mentioned.
Sigdel expressed hope that this project is best suited for academic settings and universities.
"What better place than universities? Academic institutions provide the ideal environment for conceptualizing and developing diverse ideas among students and scholars," Sigdel added.
Comments