Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) wrapped up a month-long Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program on Journalism, Media, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in partnership with Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh and Urdaneta City University (UCU) in May 2025.

Titled “Telling Stories for a Better World,” the hybrid program aimed to enhance students’ understanding of ethical storytelling and its role in promoting sustainable development. It officially opened on May 7 through a synchronous session featuring keynote lectures from faculty members of the participating institutions.

Dr. Ernesto C. Collo Jr., Program Chair of BA Communication at DMMMSU, discussed “Journalism as an Ethical Practice for Social Good,” while Ms. Jerna J. Feliciano, Instructor from UCU, presented on “Media and the SDGs: Visualizing Impact.”

From May 8 to 14, students conducted local research and interviews to contextualize their SDG narratives, which led to the development of short documentary concepts.

An asynchronous technical session was held on May 19, featuring lectures on digital storytelling. Dr. Md. Abdul Kabil Khan, Associate Professor at DIU, led a session on “Storyboarding and Narration in SDG Documentaries,” while Prof. Aftab Hossain, Head of DIU’s Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication, conducted a masterclass on “Basic Documentary Editing for Mobile and Desktop.”

The program concluded on May 24 with the submission and online showcase of 3 to 5-minute SDG-themed documentaries created by student-participants from the three universities. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)