Legazpi city: More than 50 media practitioners from across the Bicol Region participated in a three-day safety and security workshop aimed at strengthening journalists' preparedness and safety while covering disasters, conflicts, and other high-risk situations. The workshop, organized by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in partnership with the Philippine National Police Regional - Office 5, opened Wednesday at the PNP Regional Office 5 headquarters in Legazpi City.
According to Philippines News Agency, PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. stated that the training seeks to equip journalists with practical knowledge and skills to safely perform their duties in the field. "This is part of our efforts to prepare and equip media practitioners for the challenges they face during coverage, especially in disaster situations and conflict areas," Torres said. He emphasized that journalists are often among the first responders to incidents and disasters, making safety preparedness an essential component of their work.
The workshop covers disaster risk awareness, conflict management, surveillance detection, basic life support, first aid, kidnapping and abduction risk assessment, stress management, and psychological first aid. Participants will also undergo practical exercises to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities during emergencies. Torres highlighted Bicol's vulnerability to natural disasters and the challenges faced by media workers in the region, noting, "Bicol is one of the areas frequently affected by disasters. There are also incidents and threats that media practitioners may encounter while carrying out their work."
He expressed hope that the training would enhance journalists' confidence and enable them to respond effectively to challenges without compromising their safety. "We expect that after this workshop, media practitioners will be more prepared. They should not be afraid, but they should always be safe and confident that they are equipped to face any challenge during coverage, especially in disaster and conflict situations," Torres said. He also underscored the importance of ethical journalism in ensuring media security and maintaining public trust, noting that the workshop's foundation remains anchored on responsible and ethical reporting.
"We hope the public's trust in the media continues. A prepared and well-equipped media sector is a reliable channel of truth, and ethical journalism remains our strongest safeguard against threats," he added. The workshop runs until June 26.
