In Stand for Truth's 'Generation Restoration,' the environment takes the spotlight

With temperatures rising, extreme weather disturbances, and rising sea levels, it really is about time we give more time, effort, and attention to the environment and planet Earth.

Stand for Truth, GMA News and Public Affairs Digital's pioneering online newscast, has launched "Generation Restoration," a series that puts the spotlight on the environment.

What makes Generation Restoration unique from other environmental reportage and climate reporting is its hopeful and pro-active approach.

Instead of the typical doomsday scenario people often get from the usual environmental reportage, "Generation Restoration" aims to showcase the many different Filipino champions of the environment, already doing something for planet Earth, and in turn inspire more people to do the same and help save the environment.

"#GenerationRestoration, our program Stand for Truth, is a digital documentary series that highlights how Filipinos are steadily taking actions in protecting and restoring our natural resources, despite being the deadliest country for environmental defenders," said Rizza Mendiola, executive producer of Stand for Truth.

"Nobody wants to reach environmental deadlines, but with the massive changes on the planet, we have to learn how to slowly reduce our impact," she continued.

For its first episode, aired on Friday evening, it looked at Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ka Dodoy and his efforts at rebuilding the mangrove forests in Zamboanga Sibugay.

In the episode, the fisherman shared the many dangers he's faced, experiencing dynamite fishing, being chased by dynamite fishers in the waters, and realizing that taking care of nature also means taking care of ourselves.   

Mendiola says that in telling Ka Dodoy's story, "our mobile journalists were able to witness first hand the struggles of such defenders and document the impact of their movement in their localities."

"Hopefully, through our program and stories, we can all take actions in helping our planet heal," she said.

Stand for Truth is anchored by Joseph Morong and powered by millennial and Gen-Z reporters who produce weekly in-depth, mobile journalism pieces.

The show also features weekly analysis on global affairs by academic and foreign policy expert Richard Heydarian. — LA, GMA News