Sunday, February 24, 2008 Journalists back eco tour at Mt. Pulag
TO BETTER equip journalists with knowledge on eco-tourism, sustainable development, environmental protection and biodiversity, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) is sponsoring a Mt. Pulag climb, to members of the media.
Believing that the media plays a key role in informing the public but are not equipped enough to articulate or apply universally accepted principles on sustainable development to the actual situation of a certain locality, the NUJP said an on ground activity will help educate media.
"The role of the media in upholding ecology and biodiversity," is the tour's theme. The media climb to Pulag is scheduled on March 9 to March 11.
Day 1 of the tour, include lectures on the basic principles, strategies and the media's role on development as well as inputs on the biodiversity of the Cordillera and Mt. Pulag by University of the Philippines (UP) professors Chen Reyes-Mencias and Celia Austria.
Day 2 include the hike going to the mountain's summit. After reaching the summit at around 5:30 a.m., participating journalists are expected to hike back to camp at 9 a.m. At the camp, a planning session will be held, on inputs of every participant on sustainable development.
Registration fees will be shouldered by the NUJP. For members of the media who want to participate, contact NUJP Acting Chairperson, Kathleen Okubo at 300-4631, on or before February 28.
Each participant are required to bring: packed breakfast and lunch for the first day, tent, warm clothes that are enough to last for three days, wind breaker, rain gear, sleeping bag, blanket, mess kit, water bottle, toiletries, flashlight and batteries.
Those who do not have a tent are advised to inform the coordinating committee, so other participants could share their tents. (RO)
