In an unprecedented move, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), also known as the national association of newspapers since 1964, and the oldest of its kind, has pioneered a digital transformation program, the PPI News Commons, aimed at recalibrating the workings of community newspapers, and strengthening their posture as catalysts for change.
On its 61st year, the Institute is ready to assess its roadmap and gains since the project went full blast during the pandemic, cementing PPI’s pivotal role as a trailblazing newspaper organization.
At Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood City, a three-day pre-event on the Media-Citizen Councils with the International Media Support, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will set the stage for the second learning exchange forum on alternative dispute resolution, and media self-regulation as mechanism for accountability and safeguard against attacks on journalists.
To date, there are 11 local press councils spread across the archipelago.
“The PPI as a formidable organization, and the www.ppinewscommons.net as a groundbreaking news-aggregating website feed each other — they have to — to keep each other alive,” said PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino.
He added that the Media-Citizen Councils are the heart and conscience of the symbiotic relationship between the media and the community they serve.
The PPI will train the spotlight on the 29th National Press Forum and General Membership Meeting which will underscore innovative and sustainable strategies to keep print journalism alive through, but not limited to, the Journalist Trust Initiative, and an enduring partnership with Nickel Asia Corp.
The Megaworld Corp. joins the multi-awarded NAC in helping PPI convene its members nationwide to also celebrate and recognize journalistic excellence via the 2024 Community Press Awards, the longest-running awards program for community newspapers, which now includes a category for Best Regional Websites.
The following community newspapers in the country are competing in six categories — Best Regional Websites, Best Edited Community Newspaper, Best in Photojournalism, Best Editorial Page, Best Environmental Reporting, and Best in Business & Economic Reporting: (weeklies) Baguio Chronicle, Dumaguete MetroPost, Herald Express (Baguio), Pahayagang Balikas (Batangas/Southern Tagalog), Eastern Visayas Mail (Ormoc City); (dailies) Sun.Star Cebu, Sun.Star Davao, Sun.Star Pampanga, Daily Guardian (Iloilo City), and Panay News (Iloilo City).
The PPI Board salutes this year’s finalists, and commends the support of other partners and collaborators that make the events possible such as the Asian Institute of Journalism & Communication, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Shell Pilipinas Corp., SM Investments Corp., Ayala Corp., Japan Tobacco International, AirAsia, and Neitiviti Studios.
“You are the lifeblood of the organization,” said Rolando Estabillo, PPI chairman-president, who will address the general membership in the main event on June 26.
The Philippine Press Institute is a non-stock, non-profit private media organization duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, whose principal mandate is to defend press freedom, and promote ethical standards for the professional development of the Filipino journalist.
