DAVAO City ― A group of media professionals from Mindanao, including editors, managers, and reporters, took part in a safety training program from Oct. 26 to 27 to prepare for coverage of the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) elections.

The training was part of a three-year initiative, “Media Impact Philippines to Safeguarding and Strengthening Local and National Media in the Public Interest,” organized by the International Media Support (IMS) and the Mindanao Institute of Journalism (MIJ).

The program aims to equip journalists with essential skills for reporting on the Barmm elections, ensuring credible and accurate information reaches the public.

FACT CHECKING. Yas Ocampo of MindaNews showed a photo on the big screen as one of the tips he gave to achieve fact checking before publication during two reporting exercises on the upcoming first Barmm elections. Photo By Edwin Iyo

The two-day program included ten sessions covering topics such as “Conversations on Media Impact” led by MIJ CEO Dr. Jose Jowel Canuday, “The Bangsamoro Vote: Electoral History and Dynamics” by MindaNews Special Report Editor Carolyn Arguillas, and “Governance and Development in Barmm” presented by legislative lawyer Atty. Kahlili Denise Alcomendras.

Additional sessions included “Comelec Preparations” by election officer Atty. Joyce Moran and “Fact-Checking During Elections” led by MindaNews' Yas Ocampo.

The training concluded with a session on post-election reporting strategies, facilitated by Dr. Canuday, and reflections on next steps led by Amalia Cabusao, Program Manager of Media Impact Philippines.