Recognizing the vital role women in media play in keeping Filipinos informed, often while facing gender-based harassment, online abuse, and safety risks, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), in partnership with the European Union, International Media Support (IMS), PLDT, and Smart equipped more than 30 women journalists in Cebu with practical skills to strengthen their safety, resilience, and well-being.
The initiative sought to address the evolving challenges faced by women in media and to strengthen gender-responsive mechanisms for media protection.
The workshop served as a platform for women journalists to openly share their experiences and insights on the issues they encounter in their daily work, such as safety risks and gender-based harassment. In response, PTFOMS also presented its existing programs and initiatives designed to strengthen the protection and support systems available to women journalists.
In addition, the workshop drew from the PLDT Group’s #KonektedForResilience advocacy, aiming to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to help navigate both professional and personal risks. The workshop included expert-led sessions on disaster preparedness, basic self-defense, and maintaining mental health and resilience in high-pressure environments.
“We are very grateful to PLDT and Smart for supporting the initiative of the government when it comes to promoting press freedom, human rights, and freedom of expression, especially in our efforts to promote the rights, welfare, and security of women journalists. The support from civil society organizations and the private sector is essential to advancing a democracy where all stakeholders have a voice, particularly in upholding the rights to information and freedom of expression,” said Usec. Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS Executive Director.
“We at PLDT and Smart stand for empowering our citizens, including the media. We are happy to support initiatives like this and to work alongside PTFOMS and the government in championing the safety, security, and well-being of journalists, both in the field and online,” said Roby Alampay, FVP and head of the Public Engagement Group at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart have long been empowering community journalists by supporting press freedom initiatives and conducting digital upskilling trainings, reinforcing the Group’s efforts to help journalists build resilience in the digital age. This effort also underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly Goal No. 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal No. 5: Gender Equality, and Goal No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
