A new group of Indigenous women took charge of their stories during the Umalohokan Community Journalism Training organized by Lilak (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights).
Guided by veteran journalist Cong Corrales, the women participated in a one-day news writing workshop on May 24.
The writeshop brought together 12 Indigenous women from Zamboanga del Sur and Agusan del Sur — six Subanen women from Midsalip Subanen Ministry Inc. and six Manobo women from Sidlak Kababaihan sa Yutang Kabilin.
They were joined by two alumni from Umalohokan Batch 1, representing the Erumanen ne Menuvu and Teduray communities. The alumni shared their experiences as community journalists and served as peer mentors during the session.
Corrales, editor-in-chief of the Gold Star Daily, shared insights from his career in investigative journalism and work with major news outlets. He led participants through hands-on exercises that helped them craft compelling stories grounded in their lived experiences.
He commended the participants’ enthusiasm and noted the connection they shared as fellow Bisaya speakers.
“I learned a lot from you. This was a perfect opportunity for us to learn from each other,” Corrales said.
In closing, Corrales emphasized the need to elevate underrepresented voices.
“Dapat hatagan ug tingog ang mga taong dili gakadunggan sa katilingban. Be a voice for the voiceless,” he said.
Rachel Tahay, a Teduray woman and Umalohokan alumna, echoed this sentiment: “The role of Umalohokan community journalists is significant because there is a need to broadcast what is happening in our communities — stories that are frequently overlooked.”
The workshop was described as an inspiring exchange of knowledge and purpose, highlighting Indigenous women’s power as storytellers, advocates for human rights, and agents of social change.
Umalohokan Community Journalism is a program of Lilak that aims to build Indigenous women’s capacity in media and communication. The program provides training in news writing, radio reporting, photojournalism, and media advocacy, while promoting digital and physical security in community journalism work. (Lilak)
