CATBALOGAN CITY – Eleven local journalists from print, broadcast, television, and online platforms took part in a special lecture on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their reporting capabilities, combat disinformation, and help restore public trust in the media.
The session, organized by the Region 8 Media Citizen Council in observance of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, aimed to deepen the local media’s understanding of how AI tools can support ethical and effective journalism.
AI for Smarter, Faster, More Ethical Reporting
Guest lecturer Prof. Ronald Orale of Samar State University emphasized that AI can empower journalists by streamlining research, detecting misinformation, and making complex data more digestible for the public.
“Artificial intelligence can assist journalists in fact-checking, identifying misleading content in real-time, and presenting information in clearer, more compelling ways,” Orale said. He stressed the importance of these tools for local reporters, many of whom lack formal training in AI and often rely on social media as their primary platform for news dissemination.
A Moment of Reflection and Commitment
On May 2, the Region 8 Media Citizen Council also joined a nationwide simultaneous livestream organized by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), during which they offered a prayer for journalists under threat and those who continue to report despite growing risks.
“Let this day be a reminder that a free press is not the enemy, but a partner in building a just and humane society,” said Council chairperson Ricky Bautista. He thanked the PPI, International Media Support (IMS), the European Union in the Philippines, and the Embassy of Denmark for supporting the initiative under the three-year “Media Impact Philippines” project.
PPI: Ethics and Accuracy in the Age of AI and Disinformation
In its statement for World Press Freedom Day, the PPI reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism amid challenges from digital disinformation, deep fakes, and political pressure:
“In the age of AI and digital wars, how do we in media build trust? How do we uphold ethics amid a deluge of disinformation and deep fakes?”
“At the core of ethical journalism lies the unwavering commitment to truthfulness and accuracy. Especially during elections when disinformation spreads like wildfire, the responsibility of journalists to verify facts rigorously is more crucial than ever.”
The PPI also denounced recent threats and attacks on journalists, including those involving Abra mayor and congressional candidate Joseph Bernos, who allegedly sent threatening messages to DZRH reporter Romy Gonzales. It also condemned the brutal killing of Johnny Dayang, a veteran journalist and former mayor of Kalibo, Aklan.
“These attacks underscore the risks that media workers face, especially during volatile political seasons,” the PPI said. “Despite these dangers, our Media-Citizen Councils continue to push for community-driven press freedom protections.”
NUJP: Rising in Rank, But Not in Safety or Job Security
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also issued a sobering reminder that the country’s improved standing in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index—rising from 134th to 116th—is not necessarily reflective of improved conditions on the ground:
“The higher rank is in part due to a global decline in press freedom. For media workers in the Philippines, the situation remains precarious.”
The NUJP cited the looming job losses following the ownership changes at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, noting that this could lead to a significant loss of institutional knowledge and diminish the paper’s legacy of impactful journalism.
They also raised alarm over the continued detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and the killing of Johnny Dayang, which ended a brief period without any media-related killings in the country. NUJP has recorded 177 press freedom violations since the start of the Marcos Jr. administration.
“We mark this week—Labor Day and World Press Freedom Day—not with celebration, but with a call to action,” the NUJP said. “We urge media workers to organize, demand fair working conditions, and assert our right to a safe and secure profession.”
“An independent press cannot survive without an informed and supportive public.”
| Ricky Bautista / The Samar Chronicle
