By Aceelaine Duron, Bea Rollo, Kim Del Callar
(December 22, 2024) – Press officers and journalists from the Philippines traveled to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province in China, to participate in a two-week training program aimed to strengthen Philippine-China media and communication exchanges and cooperation.
The initiative also provided participants with insights and understanding of China’s broadcasting and news reporting as well as its rich cultural heritage through immersive field visits.
“We aimed to strengthen the exchanges between the two people in terms of people-to-people exchange, media exchange and also the economic, political and other exchanges and cooperation,” said Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, Second Investigator Liu Qi in a media interview. “We also want a deeper cooperation among practitioners in the media industry in both countries.”
Liu underscored the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and China, emphasizing the smooth development of diplomatic relations since their establishment.
“The historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries have forged a strong bond between us. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the overall development of China-Philippines relations has been smooth, with continuous expansion in various fields of cooperation.”
Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China, the program, titled “Seminar on Press Officers and Journalists for the Philippines,” was held from November 27 to December 10, 2024. It was organized by the Hunan International Business Vocational College (HIBVC) and hosted at the Millenia 21° Hotel in Changsha.
The college, with over 60 years of history, is recognized as a first-class vocational college in Hunan. It serves as China’s training hub for international talents in foreign trade and is recognized as a “Backbone College for the Project of Reinvigorating Economy through Talents,” an initiative supported by MOFCOM.
A total of 11 Filipino media practitioners participated in the program. These included an editor, producers, and a reporter from News5 Digital and TV5, DZRH-Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Daily Tribune, Chinatown TV, DXDC Radio Mindanao Network Davao, and DZUP-University of the Philippines (an educational radio program).
China-aid training program
The HIBVC marked its 14th consecutive year of hosting the China-aid training program for press officers and journalists. According to college party secretary Tang Jin, the program continues to provide an invaluable platform for fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between Chinese and international media professionals.
Throughout the two-week initiative, journalists from the Philippines and China participated in extensive discussions about the media and communication landscapes in both countries.
Invited experts and professors from universities, media organizations, and enterprises shared insights into the evolving dynamics of journalism in the Philippines as well as China’s political, economic, and cultural landscape.
Key topics covered during the program include China’s history and culture, country’s rich heritage and poverty alleviation efforts, media development in the information era, lectures on the broadcasting and television management systems, as well as the multimedia industry.
Notable speakers from Hunan’s media organizations and enterprises, such as Hunan Daily Press, Hunan TV, Hunan Broadcasting System, and Changde City Television, shared their expertise on the region’s media landscape. Additionally, institutions like the Hunan Movie Channel, Hunan Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and Hunan Vocational College of Art contributed to the program.
Visiting Hunan’s well-known media organizations, universities, and enterprises
Changsha University Vice Dean Rong Bin warmly welcomed a Philippine delegation to the Malanshan Video and Cultural Creative College, providing an opportunity to explore the college’s advanced integrated media technology and equipment.
The visit also highlighted the college’s expertise in e-commerce livestreaming. The press officers and journalists toured several key facilities, such as the livestreaming studio, short video production factory, audio production and editing room, virtual production area, and multimedia integration center.
Following the immersive experience at Malanshan College, the Philippine journalists were also invited to Guangzhou City to visit Guangdong Radio and Television and the Guangzhou Broadcasting Network.
At Guangdong Radio and Television, the delegation received an in-depth overview of the organization’s operations, collaborative potential, and achievements in media production and broadcasting. The visit highlighted the organization’s role in advancing modern media practices and fostering international partnerships.
The journalists also visited Hunan Mass Media Vocational and Technical College and the Hunan Daily news publication, which has been operating and publishing newspapers since 1949.
They concluded their visit at the Hunan Rednet New Media Group, which consistently ranks among the top three local news websites in China, producing 2,000 articles daily to report on and promote Hunan Province’s achievements.
Exploring Changsha and Guangzhou City
Beyond the media exchanges, Philippine press officers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in living the Changsha and Guangzhou lifestyle, gaining a firsthand experience of China’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
The journey began in Changsha City, exploring iconic landmarks – Wuyi Square, Taiping Street, and Changsha Museum Riverside Culture Park.
One of the highlights of the trip was traveling aboard China’s renowned bullet train from Guangzhou North Railway Station to Changsha South Railway Station, covering the 607-kilometer distance between Hunan and Guangdong provinces in just two hours.
In Guangzhou, the delegation delved into the city’s vibrant heritage by visiting Yongqing Square and the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. These areas are known for their traditional stores offering a variety of cultural goods such as handcrafted combs, makeup, and teas that reflect the region’s deep-rooted customs.
After a long haul over the shopping street, through a night cruise tour at the Pearl River, the delegates were able to see the beauty of Guangzhou City under the night light.
The trip concluded with a breathtaking aerial view of Guangzhou City from the Guangzhou Tower observatory, situated 602 meters above the ground.
Vice Dean of China-aid Training Faculty, Ms. Fu Yunhui, in her closing speech, recognized the efforts that were present during the Philippine media’s stay.
“Throughout the seminar, everyone makes significant efforts to overcome language, cultural, and lifestyle barriers. There was a spirit of cooperation, active communication, and [a] strong focus on teamwork whether in sessions, cultural visits, engaging in lectures, participating in meaningful exchanges and interactions,” Yunhui said.
Representing the Philippine delegation, Mr. Shakespeare Go of Chinatown TV echoed the participants’ gratitude for the program.
“The seminar has given us a unique opportunity to examine the challenges, responsibilities, and immense practice in the field of journalism, particularly within the context of the Philippines,” Go said. “In the realm of media and communication, we hope we can serve as [the] end voice to promote the friendship between the people of two countries.”
(AD, head of News5 Digital)
