- The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and Novartis Healthcare Philippines have announced the 20 journalist fellows for their health literacy initiative on cholesterol management and heart health.
- The fellows were selected by an independent panel from among 40 media practitioners across the country who participated in the “Unblocked Movement: Profiling LDL-C, the Silent Killer Health Reporting Workshop and Media Fellowship Program” held at the B Hotel in Quezon City last October 21-22, 2024. The workshop was designed to help local journalists gain a deeper understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or “bad cholesterol”) management to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- The workshop and fellowship program were supported by Novartis Healthcare Philippines and the Alliance and Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions (APPIS), which has health literacy as one of its three pillars.
The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and Novartis Healthcare Philippines have announced the 20 journalist fellows for their health literacy initiative on cholesterol management and heart health.
The 20 journalist fellows are:
- Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Inquirer.net
- Dexter Aquino See, Baguio Herald Express
- Madonna Virola, Radio Veritas Asia (Online)
- Kyle Aristophere Atienza, BusinessWorld
- Ratziel San Juan, Manila Standard
- Mildred Galarpe, SunStar Cebu
- Cong Corrales, Gold Star Daily
- Maria Elena Catajan, Cordillera News Agency
- Kaycee Valmonte, Rappler
- Marilou Guieb, BusinessMirror
- Frank Cimatu, Mountain Beacon/Rappler
- Patricia Mirasol, BusinessWorld
- Atty. Ruevivar M. Reyes, Southern Leyte Times
- Reymund Titong, Brigada News-FM Kabangkalan/Rappler-Negros
- Ricky Bautista, Samar Chronicle
- Bong Sarmiento, MindaNews
- Mariela Angella Oladive, Daily Guardian
- Ma. Theresa Ladiao, Panay News
- Anne Ruth Dela Cruz, BusinessMirror
- Ime Sornito-Sorial, Panay News
Unblock Your Heart Journalism Fellowship poster courtesy of the Philippine Press Institute
The fellows were selected by an independent panel from among 40 media practitioners across the country who participated in the “Unblocked Movement: Profiling LDL-C, the Silent Killer Health Reporting Workshop and Media Fellowship Program” held at the B Hotel in Quezon City last October 21-22, 2024. The workshop was designed to help local journalists gain a deeper understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or “bad cholesterol”) management to reduce cardiovascular risk.
The media fellowship program sought to provide workshop participants with a practical opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop, enabling them to create compelling stories and narratives in the field of health reporting. It aims to capacitate Fellows to undertake research, interview experts, and ensure accuracy in writing stories for publication.
An independent panel composed of PPI officials, academicians and subject matter experts selected the 20 Fellows from among the workshop participants who will receive mentorship and guidance from experienced health journalists and industry experts throughout the duration of the fellowship. Fellows will write stories that will be published in their respective media institutions, allowing for widespread dissemination and maximizing the impact of the Health Reporting Program. Fellows with compelling stories will be recognized during the Annual PPI Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.
The Health Reporting Program is being supported by Novartis Healthcare Philippines and the Alliance and Partnerships for Patient Innovation and Solutions (APPIS), which has health literacy as one of its three pillars.
Cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), are responsible for a third of deaths in the Philippines.1 Unfortunately, there is low awareness that elevated LDL-C is a major modifiable risk factor for ASCVD. Studies have shown that lowering LDL-C levels could prevent 75% of cardiovascular deaths worldwide.2
“Cardiovascular disease remains the country’s top noncommunicable disease. Through the Unblock your Heart Journalism fellowship program, we aim not just to share knowledge but to spark meaningful action—helping to prevent future cardiac events and ensuring that no Filipino heart is lost too soon,” said Ms. Christine Fajardo, Head, Communications & Patient Advocacy, Philippines and Asia Aspiring Cluster, Novartis.
