PPI conducts sustainable construction reporting seminar for Bohol journalists

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Selected media practitioners in Bohol underwent a seminar-workshop on sustainable construction reporting, conducted by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in partnership with Holcim Philippines, in a hotel in this city from May 24 to 26.

Organizers said the training, designed for journalists to come up with “better construction stories” in the media, was aimed at giving participants a broader understanding and appreciation of the role in the construction industry in promoting inclusive growth.

The journalists were also encouraged to explore and report some overlooked issues in the construction industry that would result in better quality reporting about it.

The PPI seminar-workshop was the third round of activity in response to the United Nations’ goals to “build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.”

PPI executive director Ariel Sebgellino and trustee Salva Diputado welcomed the participants during the opening of the training, while training director Tess Bacalla discussed the topic, Inclusive Growth and the Role of the Construction Industry.

The next topic was on “Trends and Challenges in Building Resilience: Mapping the Big Picture and Role of Construction.”

Vince Delector of the Habitat for Humanity Foundation Inc., and Doctor Nestor Pestelos of the Bohol Local Development Foundation later shared their experiences and efforts in rebuilding homes for the homeless victims of the 2013 earthquake and the typhoon Seniang in 2014.

The participants then visited Barangay Angila in Antequera town, and the tent city in Loon town to see for themselves the recovery efforts. They also interviewed the quake and typhoon victims on their prevailing housing situation, and then reported their observations to the PPI trainors for assessment. (FREEMAN)