FILE PHOTO: Protest against the so-called drug war. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — A network of advocates pushing for the advancement of “humane” tactics to deal with the country’s drug problems has opened a media fellowship to tackle drug issues and their effects on people and communities.
The Drug Policy Reform Initiative (DPRI) will conduct the “Putting People First: Media Fellowship for Humane Drug Policy” event for media practitioners who aim to sharpen their skills and knowledge when covering drug-related stories.
“The Call for Stories opened last March 20 and is ongoing until March 29, 2023. The fellowship is open to Filipino editors, reporters, photojournalists, anchors, and news managers in the country who want to pursue empowering stories of communities and persons involved in drug issues,” DPRI said in a statement Wednesday.
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It added that 20 chosen applicants would be given a grant that ranges from P15,000 to P30,000 for the conduct of their research, data-gathering, and publishing of work. During the fellowship from April to May, media fellows will receive training, coaching, and feedback sessions from their peers and advocates.
The network encourages “harm reduction” or “the belief that approach to drug use should be grounded on human rights, health, and justice; and telling stories about people who use drugs should be without stigma and discrimination.”
READ: War on drugs: The violence, scars, doubts and families it left behind
“The Media Fellowship will help shape conversations surrounding drugs and drug use towards compassion and empowerment,” said DPRI lead convener Atty. Kristine Mendoza.
She added that DPRI’s goal is to engage more journalists and end the prevalence of harm and stigma for people involved with drugs.
Media practitioners interested in joining the event may submit their application through www.tinyurl.com/DPRIFellowship and view the mechanics at https://tinyurl.com/DPRIFellowshipMechanics.
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