MANILA, Philippines — Starting next year, Russian state media will be training journalists and technical personnel from Philippine state media and share their best practices in media operations.

The government is preparing to implement a 2017 agreement with Russia’s Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications, which includes additional training for Filipino workers in state-run news organizations such as PTV 4 and the Philippine News Agency.

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“This training program will not only enhance the skills and capabilities of our Filipino journalists, but will also deepen the relationship of the Philippine and Russian governments and media organizations,” said JV Arcena, presidential communications assistant secretary for global media and public affairs.

In an interview on Sunday, Arcena said the 2017 agreement was signed by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and his Russian counterpart.

Media partners

“It will be the Philippines’ first partnership with Russia in terms of media cooperation,” Arcena said.

Earlier this month, the Presidential Communications Operations Office held a meeting with the RT TV channel, a network funded by the Russian government, on the sidelines of President R%Rodrigo Duterte’s official visit to Russia.

The two parties “agreed to share our best practices in the field of media and communications,” Arcena said, adding that the Philippines was invited to “participate in RT TV Channel’s International Seminar Course, which seeks to acquaint Filipino [journalists] with the work of RT’s 24/7 channel.”

“With the program, they will have the chance to gain insight into all aspects of content verification and production and promotion in modern media,” he said.

Content access

According to Arcena, RT TV Channel has also offered its content for Philippine counterpart organizations to access.

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Arcena said the training and logistical needs in Russia would be provided for free, although arrangements for airfare and accommodation were still under discussion.

During the President’s visit to Russia, the Philippines and Russia signed bilateral cooperation agreements on energy, scientific research, health, culture, foreign policy consultations, as well as information exchange and business development.

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