Zamboanga Sibugay Journalists Shine as Fellows in Prestigious Climate Reporting
Two veteran journalists from Zamboanga Sibugay are among of the four Mindanao representatives selected as fellows for the Jaime Espina Klima Correspondents Fellowship, a program dedicated to amplifying stories of climate action and renewable energy transition in the Philippines.
Elvie Villarido-Manaytay and Antonio Manaytay, representing the ZS Tribune Today and Sun Times Philippines (now, Daily Sun Chronicle), will focus their reporting on the groundbreaking hydrogen-powered development project on Olutanga Island, showcasing how renewable energy can transform remote communities.
The other two Mindanaoan journalists hail from Davao City, MindaNews reporter Antonio L. Colina IV and photojournalist Enrimand Esmer Dejeto.
They join a select group of 10 dynamic journalist teams tasked with uncovering transformative stories about the challenges and opportunities of the country’s shift to renewable energy.
Honoring a Legacy
Named after the late Jose Jaime “Nonoy” Espina, a stalwart advocate for press freedom and media welfare, the Fellowship—now in its second year—highlights the vital role of regional and grassroots perspectives in the global climate conversation. Organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), the program emphasizes the urgency of climate storytelling that bridges policy and community realities.
A Journey of Learning and Impact
The Fellows will convene in Metro Manila from December 10 to 12, 2024, for an intensive three-day training. Sessions will cover topics such as energy reporting, journalism ethics, and visual storytelling, alongside workshops on data journalism, photography, and media safety. These learning experiences will be bolstered by discussions with leading climate policy and renewable energy experts, equipping Fellows to refine their story proposals.
To support their reporting projects, each team will receive a PHP 100,000 grant to cover investigative and production costs, ensuring high-quality outputs that resonate with diverse audiences.
Telling Stories That Matter
The Fellows’ work, ranging from in-depth articles to multimedia features, will be published in their respective media outlets and showcased on ICSC’s platforms. The stories aim to illuminate how renewable energy can drive sustainable development, address pressing community needs, and foster resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Zamboanga Sibugay’s Contribution to Climate Journalism
The Manaytay duo’s story proposal on Olutanga Island stands out for its focus on hydrogen energy innovation—a renewable solution poised to empower a remote island community while addressing sustainability challenges. Their selection reflects the growing recognition of Mindanao’s critical role in shaping the renewable energy narrative in the Philippines.
A Diverse Cohort of Storytellers
Fellows were chosen through a rigorous selection process led by seasoned journalists, editors, and energy experts. Their proposals tackle diverse issues, from indigenous resistance to coal mining to solar-powered wildlife conservation.
Here are the standout projects are:
- Feliciano Genevieve and Ang Avon (Altermidya – People’s Alternative Media Network): Lumad Resistance Against Coal Mining’s Threat to Ancestral Lands in Lake Sebu
- Michael Philip Beltran and Geela Maryse Garcia (Mongabay): Be Like Water: Micro-Hydro Alternatives in the Cordillera Region
- Maria Elena Catajan and Sherwin De Vera (Northern Dispatch/North Luzon Monitor): Energy Projects in Cordillera: Success, Struggles, and Community Impact
- Marina Herrera and Vermarie Carranza (Radyo Natin Guimba DWTC 105.3FM): Agrivoltaics in Nueva Ecija: Harvesting Food and Energy for Climate Resilience
- Antonio L. Colina IV and Enrimand Esmer Dejeto (MindaNews): Tapping into the Power of Rivers to Produce Renewable Energy for IP Communities in Davao
- John Sebastian Sitchon and Jacqueline Hernandez (Rappler): How Solar Energy Supports Olango’s Wildlife Rangers and Communities in Cebu
- Rjay Castor and Joshua Mendoza (Daily Guardian): Iloilo City’s Net-Metering Program: Paving the Way for Renewable Energy and Reducing Costs
- Neil Ambion and Cindy Aquino (Pinoy Weekly): Barriers to Greener Transport: Policies and Infrastructure Hindering Greener Modes in Metro Manila
- Lilian Tiburcio and Mark Louie Ladesma (GMA News Network): Empowering Tawi-Tawi: Renewable Energy and Innovation Boosting Seaweed Farming Resilience
- Elvie Villarido-Manaytay and Antonio Manaytay (ZS Tribune Today/Sun Times Philippines): Hydrogen-Powered Development in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Olutanga Island
Bridging the Gap
Supported by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), and Thibi, this Fellowship fosters a new wave of climate storytellers. Together, these journalists are ensuring the Philippines’ energy transition narrative is rich, inclusive, and impactful, bridging the gap between policy and the people most affected.
With their commitment to uncovering stories that inspire action, the Fellows are poised to shine a light on the pathways to a sustainable future, showcasing how communities—like those in Zamboanga Sibugay—can thrive in a renewable energy-driven world.
The Daily Sun Chronicle is a proudly independent and unbiased publication, committed to delivering accurate, balanced, and thought-provoking journalism. Free from political or corporate influence, it strives to uphold the principles of integrity and fairness, ensuring that every story is thoroughly researched and every voice is heard. With a focus on in-depth reporting and diverse perspectives, the Daily Sun Chronicle serves as a trusted source for readers seeking clear and honest insights into local, national, and global issues.
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