The Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines (JSAP) will convene its 2025 National Conference on Dec. 9 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Bulwagang Balagtas to discuss how journalism can help advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthen public accountability.
With the theme “Journalism for a Sustainable Future: Reporting the SDGs, Uncovering the Challenges,” the conference will bring together student journalists, faculty members, and media professionals for a daylong program of plenary lectures and research presentations.
Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez will deliver the keynote speech. Plenary talks will follow from Roland Tolentino, former dean of the UP College of Mass Communication; Joyce Pañares, managing editor of the Manila Standard; Jiggy Manicad, broadcast journalist and documentarist; and Pia Ranada, senior reporter for Rappler. Their sessions will tackle corruption, investigative reporting, climate and health issues, disaster communication, and foreign influence operations targeting the Philippines.
Student-researchers are expected to present studies on disinformation, community engagement, environmental accountability, media literacy, journalist safety, and emerging threats to the Philippine media sector.
Additional breakout sessions will be led by partner organizations. The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) will host a photo-essay workshop featuring photojournalist and JSAP trustee Jimmy Domingo, visual storyteller AC Dimatatac, and PCP safety expert Ramon Jose, who will discuss documenting SDG-related issues and the ethics of storytelling. PressOne.PH will run a digital investigations session on coordinated manipulation and foreign influence operations.
The JSAP National Conference, co-presented by The Varsitarian, is an annual forum for journalism educators, scholars, and practitioners. This year’s edition is set to underscore the role of journalists in covering development, governance, and information warfare amid shifting political and digital landscapes.
