With the goal of increasing coverage on the climate challenges affecting vulnerable communities, the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) has launched the Green Beat Caravan. Fully supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and in partnership with the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan through the Xavier University - Development Communication Department, this program aims to empower emerging campus journalists and storytellers to effectively report on climate and environmental issues.
The program is open to all college students currently enrolled in communications-related courses from the six target project sites that are climate-vulnerable cities, which include: Naga City, Malolos, Bulacan, Cebu City, Baybay City, Leyte, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.
These areas, identified as climate-risk provinces, are highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. According to a 2023 analysis by The Cross Dependency Initiative, the increasing frequency and severity of these events emphasizes the urgent need for accurate environmental reporting to build resilience and inform communities.
The program is implemented with three key components: The Blitz Workshop, a hybrid capacity-building training in environmental journalism and climate communications; the Environmental Journalism Hubs, a sustainability initiative that fosters Communities of Practice (CoP) among program participants; and the Close-Out Conference, a comprehensive, three-part event designed to conclude the year-long Green Beat Caravan, showcase the insights and achievements of the program, share best practices, and inspire broader engagement in environmental journalism. This platform encourages increased participation and strengthens the network of campus journalists dedicated to environmental awareness and advocacy.
The program was officially launched on AYEJ's social media platforms on 1 December, Sunday. The Blitz Workshop will kick off in Cagayan de Oro City, with other cities following suit each month. Environmental Journalism Hubs will also be established consecutively in each city. The program will culminate with a Close-Out Conference in the latter part of next year, October 2025.
“With Green Beat Caravan, our goal is to equip participants not just with technical skills, but also with tools to navigate the unique challenges of environmental journalism,” said Val Amiel Vestil, Executive Director of AYEJ.
Applications for the Green Beat Caravan's first stop in Cagayan de Oro City are now open. Interested applicants may visit bit.ly/AYEJ_GBCbriefer for more details and apply through bit.ly/GBC_CDOApplication.
AYEJ is an ecological literacy non-profit organization focused on implementing educational capacity-building initiatives, developing knowledge products, and producing multimedia content on climate and environmental issues through hope-based communications and solutions journalism. In partnership with organizations like the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, Internews, and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, AYEJ amplifies stories that inspire resilience and sustainability. The Green Beat Caravan furthers this mission by empowering vulnerable communities and driving climate action for a more sustainable future.