N.B. – A journalism student from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman who is currently working on her undergraduate thesis emailed three questions last September 14 regarding the feasibility of offering Peace Journalism and Conflict Reporting courses under UP’s four-year journalism degree program. Please find below the answers I sent last September 16.

Are you in favor of having Peace Journalism or Conflict Reporting courses in the UP Journalism program?

Peace journalism and conflict reporting could be good topics for J 196 (Seminar). It is also possible to incorporate them into a Journalism course called “Political Reporting” which is more encompassing and, if handled well by the professor, could help relate and put in proper Philippine context the various aspects of political reporting so that Journalism students could have a broader view.

The institution of two new Journalism courses on Peace Journalism and Conflict Reporting could also help students realize and appreciate the kind of “serious journalism” that the country needs right now.

What topics should be included in these courses?

The two courses should discuss the concepts behind peace journalism and conflict reporting in a way that emphasizes the practice of journalism in the Philippines. In this way, students would be able to identify the aspects that are unique in the country compared to, say, the United States and Europe where most media theories and concepts come from, including peace journalism.

Peace journalism could discuss examples of good and bad reporting of conflicts, as well as the treatment of issues related to efforts in achieving just and lasting peace. The course should operate within the framework of reporting all possible sides which include not just the contending parties but also non-combatants or other civilians who are caught in the middle of a conflict.

Conflict reporting could provide practical, survival tips on how to cover ongoing conflict. There are efforts by media groups like the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) to train journalists on how to protect themselves. The same should be done in the classroom so that future journalists can be prepared.

In terms of classroom availability, professors, and schedule do you think the Journalism department is ready to offer such course?

I believe so. Some professors have been giving workshops to journalists here and abroad on topics like that.