STET – Women in Cebu Media and International Media Support (IMS) have launched a new partnership to provide training and wellness support for community journalists in Cebu.
The initiative, co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Asian Center for Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University, aims to address the emotional, mental and physical challenges faced by journalists, especially following the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
The partnership was officially launched during the “Thank You for Your Service! A Post-Election Coverage Wellness Forum for Cebu Journalists” held last May 31.
The forum brought together Cebu journalists to share their experiences and the psychological toll of covering the elections.
In her opening remarks, lawyer Maria Jane Paredes, STET coordinator and former print and radio journalist, noted the importance of collaboration for community journalists facing challenges related to safety, as well as mental, physical and economic well-being.
She said these efforts provide an essential support system for those in community news media.
STET member Melva Java, a former television news anchor and newspaper columnist, noted that the emotional and even teary responses from young journalists showed that the group’s concern deeply affected their innermost selves.
During the forum, counseling expert Dr. Corazon Cañete and psychiatrist Dr. Robert Cañete discussed the impact of stress on the body and mind.
They recommended coping strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, short meditations and practicing gratitude.
Both also stressed the value of having a support group where journalists can safely express their emotions and experiences.
IMS country programme manager Che de los Reyes said the organization supports efforts to promote the safety and mental well-being of women journalists as part of the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists.
She added that STET’s continued work to bring these initiatives to the local media community has a significant impact.
The forum also mourned the loss of fellow journalist Emmariel Ares, 25, of CDN Digital, who passed away shortly before the elections after being struck by a speeding motorcycle.
She was remembered as cheerful, friendly and easy to get along with.
Dr. Robert Cañete acknowledged the emotional toll of such a loss and reminded participants that grief is a natural process requiring time and space to heal.
Other forums organized or planned by STET under this partnership include:
•“Retooling Displaced Journalists: What Are Their Alternatives?” — Held on March 1 to open International Women’s Month, this forum addressed the growing reality of women journalists losing newsroom jobs and helped realign their skills with new opportunities.
•“Legislative Reforms for Women and Media” — Held on March 31 to close International Women’s Month, this event featured women candidates for the House of Representatives discussing legislative plans focused on women’s issues.
•“Safety Essentials for Women Journalists” — An upcoming forum, tentatively scheduled for July, which will focus on safety in newsroom and field environments. /PR