Manila (30 July) -- The Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMFI), with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will hold a fellowship program for broadcasters on reporting on disasters and emergencies, with special focus on reporting on children entitled, "Children and Disaster: Philippine Media Response" starting October 2007.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries: it ranks 2nd in Asia and 4th in the world. Yearly, the country encounters destructive typhoons, flood, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other man-made disasters that leave many dead, missing, displaced from their homes with damages amounting to billions of pesos.

Media is quickly on the scene, together with disaster response and coordinating agencies. Reports are broadcast immediately and, most of the time, helped in getting aid and assistance to the affected persons and communities. However, there are also many instances where the manner in which media responds and the quality and sensitivity of the reports are questionable.

The "Children and Disaster: Philippine Media Response" fellowship helps broadcasters widen their understanding and improve their reportage on issues relating to disaster and emergency. It provides safety techniques and coping mechanisms for those who regularly cover these situations. Through UNICEF, the participants are provided with additional support to produce special reports.

The program is for fifteen (15) Filipino media practitioners working in radio and TV news and public affairs departments who are assigned to cover disaster and emergencies in their programs. Directors, Segment Producers and Reporters and writers below 50 years old are encouraged to apply.

Selected participants shall undergo the following activities: