Ten teams of local journalists and visual storytellers took center stage on Tuesday, March 25, as they presented their final stories for the Jaime Espina Klima Correspondents Fellowship (JEKCF) 2024.
The culminating activity, held in Quezon City, marked the conclusion of a five-month journey dedicated to strengthening climate and energy reporting in the Philippines.
Honoring Nonoy Espinaโs Legacy
Organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), the fellowship ran from November 2024 to March 2025, equipping journalists with the skills and resources to uncover in-depth stories from communities at the forefront of the country’s energy transition.
This initiative, now in its second cycle since its launch in 2022, continues to honor the legacy of the late Jose Jaime “Nonoy” Espinaโa fearless journalist, former chairperson of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), and an unwavering advocate for press freedom and environmental justice.
Klima Fellows: A Gathering of Journalists and Advocates
Klima fellows, alumni from the program’s inaugural year, and representatives from the Espina family, ICSC, NUJP, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Thibi Tech Consultancy, and various civil society organizations attended the event.
The gathering not only celebrated the fellows’ achievements but also reinforced the vital role of journalism in amplifying the voices of communities often left behind in the climate conversation.
Stories of Struggles and Innovations
In his message, Espinaโs son, Dakila Espina, emphasized the significance of storytelling in shedding light on these communities’ challenges and triumphs.
โThrough this fellowship, many stories have been told about the communities that have largely been left behindโtheir struggles in transitioning to renewable energy and striving for a net-zero future.”
“But itโs not just about the struggles. Itโs also about the ingenuity, the innovations, and the remarkable resilience these communities and organizations demonstrate despite limited resources and media attention. If my father were here, he would be immensely proud of that,โ he said.
Advocating for Press Freedom and Climate Journalism
ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos Dela Cruz reaffirmed the fellowship’s mission.
โWe hope to continue Nonoy Espinaโs legacy by advocating for press freedom and deepening discussions on climate action and the energy transition,” Dela Cruz said.
“The work of journalists in this fellowship is crucial in amplifying the narratives of Filipinos affected by these pressing issues,โ he stressed.
Journalistsโ Transformative Experience
For many of the Klima fellows, the experience was transformative. Enrimand Esmer Dejeto of MindaNews shared how his deep dive into climate and energy reporting exposed the urgent need for community-driven energy solutions, particularly in marginalized indigenous areas.
โThese stories are incredibly important but challenging to pursue. Support like this fellowship is invaluable, as it allows us to balance engaging storytelling with critical information.”
“One of my biggest realizations is that we often take energy access for granted until we see communities struggling without it. Thatโs when it hits homeโthereโs so much more we need to report on,โ Dejeto reflected.
Malen Catajan of Northern Luzon Monitor also highlighted how the fellowship reshaped her perspective on energy issues.
โMy understanding has evolved beyond my initial research. The transition to renewable energy isnโt just about corporations or policiesโit profoundly impacts local communities in ways that often go unnoticed,โ she said.
Launching the JEKCF Alumni Network
To further cement the fellowshipโs impact, ICSC officially announced the establishment of the Jaime Espina Klima Correspondents Alumni Network. Set to launch in 2025, this network aims to foster collaboration, exchange insights, and build a strong community of climate and energy journalists dedicated to holding power accountable and ensuring the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.
โWe envision the JEKCF Alumni Network as a dynamic space for learning, sharing best practices, and sustaining meaningful collaborations among journalists. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen climate and energy journalism that drives real change,โ said ICSC Communications Manager Ira Dominique Guerrero.
A Lasting Impact
As the event concluded, it was clear that the stories told through this fellowship are more than just reportsโthey are powerful narratives that have the potential to shape the countryโs climate and energy future.
And with a growing community of committed journalists, the legacy of Nonoy Espina continues to thrive, illuminating paths toward a more informed and resilient Philippines.
