The radio documentary titled “The Seawalls of Miagao” won the COPEAM World Radio Day 2025 Contest. The work highlights the struggles and resilience of coastal communities, giving voice to fisherfolk, women, and vulnerable groups. It exemplified how radio can drive climate action and empower communities, which was the theme of the occasion.
The documentary was produced by Aljohn Torreta of Radyo DYUP managed by the University of the Philippines Visayas.
Torreta’s documentary stood out because of its powerful storytelling and commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities. The documentary effectively illustrates the environmental and social challenges faced by coastal communities in Miagao, Philippines, while giving a voice to fishermen, women, and other vulnerable individuals. This film has brought to light the resilience of these communities and their determined efforts towards adapting to climate change, serving as a prime example of how radio can bring action to bridge such gaps.
The documentary brought to light the challenges faced by fishermen and coastal communities, rising sea levels, eroding coastlines, and loss of livelihoods. By centering the narratives of women and other vulnerable groups, the project emphasized their critical role in building climate resilience. The documentary also highlighted innovative local solutions including seawall construction and community-led initiatives to protect their environment. These stories have educated and inspired the listeners to take action in their communities.
These kinds of projects remind us of the importance of policies that support community-driven media, invest in training for journalists, and blending traditional knowledge with modern tools. Expanding such initiatives and capturing their impact can significantly boost climate resilience efforts. Efforts. In this work, Aljohn Torreta shows the capacity of radio to inspire action that gives voice to a more sustainable future.
To learn more about UPV’s winning project and the World Radio Day 2025 Contest, visit the COPEAM website.
References
COPEAM. (2025). World Radio Day 2025: Find out the winner of the international contest “Radio Bridges: Joint Actions for the Climate.” Retrieved from http://www.copeam.org
Torreta, A. (2025). The Seawalls of Miagao [Documentary]. Radio DYUP, Philippines.
Photo from COPEAM.
Article contributed by Naranja Nones, CCComdev Intern
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