Media and Journalism Study Tour - Manila June 2024

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the East-West International Media Conference in the Philippines. The experience was truly transformative. Throughout the conference, I gained knowledge on a wide array of topics, including the role of AI in elections, the geopolitical tensions over the South China Sea, and the impact of renewable energy on indigenous communities. The sessions were highly informative, and I left feeling more educated and inspired to delve deeper into global issues. Francine and I even had the chance to take a picture with Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, a member of the Philippine President’s Cabinet serving as the government’s chief economic planner and secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority, which was a highlight of our time there. After the conference, we were fortunate to explore Manila. I became deeply immersed in learning about the Philippines' history, particularly during the pre-colonial and colonial periods. One fascinat

     E aloha mai, I am one of the students who was able to be a part of the amazing experience of attending the East-West Center's International Media Conference that was held this year in Manila, Philippines.       The trip overall was definitely educational and eye-opening for me. Before the attending the conference, I was aware that journalism was a busy but important profession, and it's important to have free press so that voices can be heard, people can be held accountable, accurate information needs to get around to keep people informed but I learned that there's been rising challenges with mis/dis-information, AI, and other issues that make journalism even tougher but honest journalism even more important.       At Bahay Tuluyan, the children's rights organization, I was humbled by the people we met and the girls sharing their stories but also noting how far they've come and all the skills they learned. I honestly don't think I could've done anything