Rappler trains 2026 Aries Rufo Fellows in public interest journalism

MANILA, Philippines – Seven campus journalists selected for this year’s Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship completed an intensive onsite training program at the Rappler newsroom from August 5 to 8, 2026. The onsite training, which is an essential component of the program, aims to strengthen the fellows’ knowledge and skills in public interest reporting, with a particular emphasis on spotting corruption and local-level accountability. For this year’s cohort, the training sessions covered critical areas such as local community reporting, the budget process, spotting corruption red flags, and digital security, alongside technical skills in data journalism, responsible and efficient use of AI for research, liveable cities and community engagement, vertical video creation, and long-form writing. Must Read Rappler, JNBF award 2026 Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship to 7 campus journalists Applying new tools, learnings During the training, the transition from reporting within campus borders to tackling complex public-interest issues marked a fundamental shift for the fellows. “We are usually branded as campus journalists and known to only write stories on campus. But with the training, I realized that we are student journalists capable of writing about the plight of the people. We can do so much more,” said Ahyenne Estancio of Pampanga, who reported about Angeles City’s recurring water woes under PrimeWater during her first month as a fellow. After the training sessions, she gained a deeper understanding of the budget process and spotting red flags in public documents, among others. For Lance Bustos of Laguna, who wrote about Santa Rosa City’s heritage preservation efforts, learning more about the “Rappler treatment” of reporting became his highlight. “I was used to the traditional approach to reporting. In this training, we were introduced to Rappler’s approach or treatment to journalism — learning not only to serve as watchdogs, but also to connect with the community,” Bustos said. He also appreciated the training’s approach to AI, noting that while many institutions restrict its use, the technology can still be valuable for tasks such as data visualization and vibe coding, provided that the information remains accurate. Storytelling and community engagement The training also emphasized the intersection of rigorous research and human-centered storytelling. Axel John Cainglet of Cavite had already been digging into complex provincial issues, including a reclamation project impacting Bacoor’s “tahong” (mussel) harvests, Noveleta’s traditional salt-making industry, and ₱5 billion in DPWH contracts linked to the Revilla family. “Before the fellowship, tingin ko sobrang tapang ko na, but in this weeklong training, I realized puwede pang tapangan ‘yung pagsulat (I thought I was already very bold, but during this weeklong training, I realized that I could be even bolder in my writing),” Cainglet shared. Cainglet also stressed the importance of community engagement in his stories. “It shouldn’t be just a one-way process. After the stories are written, they should create an impact for the people they are written for. The community we write about is also relevant to us.” This deep community connection was echoed by Mark David Silencio of Bulacan, who wrote about the kangkong farmers struggling alongside rising floodwalls during his first month in the program. “In times like this, our communities need us most. We are not meant to be extractive, but to connect and engage with them even after the story is published,” Silencio said. Finding support and purpose Meanwhile, for Caloocan City-based fellow Eunicito Barreno, the training reframed his perspective about his hometown. Initially discouraged by Caloocan’s troubled reputation and association with political dynasties, extrajudicial killings, and the drug war — for which the city has become for him, the “worst of the worst” — Barreno realized these challenges informed his purpose. “I have both love and hate for Caloocan because of its issues but the training and my fellowship experience so far taught me that I have a role in telling the stories of Caloocan,” Barreno said. During his first month, Barreno leveraged his local ties, reporting about local grievances over what Caloocan residents describe as a “useless” drainage project. He also amplified the story of the Caloocan furniture makers striving to sustain their craft. The onsite training provided vital space for camaraderie and support among fellows, too. “Since the very first night, I realized that hearing my co-fellows share stories about their work [as journalists] made me feel like I wasn’t out of place. From the moment I arrived from the island, in a place I wasn’t familiar with, I felt at home,” Vic Bagaan, a fellow who traveled from Palawan, said in a mix of English and Filipino. During his first month, Bagaan wrote about the students still displaced by the 2024 Quito fire. For Jennifer Jezreel Kaye Pading of Eastern Visayas, the fellowship was an opportunity not only to strengthen her journalism skills, but also a chance to extend the support she received to her sphere of influence. Inspired by two former campus journalists from her school who previously joined the fellowship, Pading is committed to sustaining this cycle of mentorship and learning. Challenge as they continue During the four-day training, Rappler also hosted a fellowship night where the 2026 Fellows had the opportunity to network with Rappler reporters, editors, and alumni fellows. Amid the challenges facing journalism today, Rappler CEO and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa spoke to the fellows about the future of the profession and encouraged them to continue on the journey. “While there’s a lot of opportunity, there are also a lot of challenges in the media industry and we will not take it against you if you take a different path, but we would appreciate it so much if you continue to pursue journalism,” she told the fellows. Meanwhile, Rappler’s executive editor Glenda Gloria challenged the fellows as they continue their fellowship program when they head home. “Because you are Aries Rufo Journalism Fellows, you carry the name of Aries, who, as a journalist, preferred to listen, ask, and never assume. You also carry the name of Rappler. Take pride in it but be responsible,” Gloria said. “You are going back to the field…Remember that you are not only a storyteller, but more importantly a truth teller,” she added. Gloria concluded with a definition of the craft that will guide the fellows: “Journalism, as we know it is the discipline of verification but journalism is also finding joy in discovery. What do you discover when you do journalism? You don’t just discover the wrongdoings of others, you discover skills, courage, and character you never thought you had.” As a final requirement, fellows will produce a long-form story, either investig