ATENEO de Cagayan-Xavier University, in partnership with the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) and with support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, has launched the Green Beat Caravan, a program to enhance climate reporting in vulnerable communities.

The initiative is open to college students enrolled in communications-related courses from six climate-vulnerable areas: Naga City, Malolos (Bulacan), Cebu City, Baybay (Leyte), Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.

These areas face high risks of typhoons, floods, and landslides, underscoring the importance of accurate environmental reporting, as highlighted by a 2023 analysis by The Cross Dependency Initiative.

The Green Beat Caravan includes three components: The Blitz Workshop for capacity-building in climate journalism, Environmental Journalism Hubs to sustain communities of practice, and a Close-Out Conference to share achievements and best practices.

The program was officially launched on AYEJ’s social media platforms last month and will kick off with its first workshop in Cagayan de Oro City, followed by monthly sessions in the other cities.

Environmental Journalism Hubs will be established in each target city to foster collaboration among participants, culminating in a Close-Out Conference in 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, AYEJ Executive Director.

Applications for the first stop in Cagayan de Oro City are now open. Interested applicants may visit bit.ly/AYEJ_GBCbriefer for details and apply through bit.ly/GBC_CDOApplication.