Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild

25/07/2025

The Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild would like to congratulate its member Michael Beltran for being one of the recipients of the Developing Asia Journalism Award (DAJA) 2025 for his report titled "AI is making Philippine call center work more efficient, for better and worse."

Read his winning piece here:
https://restofworld.org/2024/ai-reshaping-call-center-work-philippines/

24/06/2025

The Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild would like to congratulate its director Gabriel Vince Palallos for being a finalist in the Emerging Category of Objectifs - Centre for Photography and Film's 8th Documentary Award!

03/05/2025

May 3, 2025

STATEMENT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The Filipino Freelance Journalists’ Guild is one with journalists all over the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025.

Central to the celebration of the event is the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has already become ubiquitous. For journalists and media workers, the rise of AI means “providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking,” says the UNESCO. However, this must be tempered with caution — as with all technological advancements, AI also comes with risks to our profession.

As a guild that is in pursuit of fair working conditions for Filipino freelance journalists all over the Philippines, we acknowledge how AI can possibly become an instrument in improving the state of freelance journalism in the country. Programs or applications facilitating payment and workflow are some of the examples on how this tool can enhance freelancing.

But we also admit that AI alone cannot change the reality on the ground: no standardized pay, precarious working conditions, and lack of social protections, resulting in a volatile environment for independent journalists.

This World Press Freedom Day, we urge decision makers in and out of the media to express their commitment to the betterment of freelance journalism — by prioritizing the welfare and security of freelancers through proper remuneration, job tenure, and other forms of support.

When journalists and media workers are nurtured and protected, competent, fair, and honest reporting can only be expected.

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Long live independent journalism!

30/04/2025

05/04/2025

The Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild would like to congratulate its member Mavic Conde for being long-listed in the News Award category of One World Media 2025.

Mabuhay, Mavic!

[NEWSROOM FEATS] Bulatlat contributor Mavic Conde's data story on commercial tuna fishing industry has been long-listed in the News Award category of One World Media 2025. The award recognizes exclusive content or an investigation that led the news agenda.

Read her story here: https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/03/25/billions-for-commercial-tuna-industry-crumbs-for-fisherfolk/

05/04/2025

The Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild would like to congratulate its member Noel Celis for winning in the Stories category of the 2025 World Press Photo contest.

His winning entry Four Storms, 12 Days documented the devastating effects of four consecutive storms that hit the Philippines in late 2024.

Mabuhay, Noel!

27/03/2025

March 27, 2025

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR EZRA ACAYAN, PHOTOJOURNALIST AND FFJ MEMBER

The Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild expresses its support for its member, photojournalist Ezra Acayan, who has been accused by lawyer Wilfredo Garrido of benefiting from EJK victims for “clicks and likes”.

On March 26, 2025, Mr. Garrido posted one of Mr. Acayan’s past photos on Facebook without permission. The photograph in question—an image of children crying at the wake of a young EJK victim—was used to poke fun at relatives of overseas Filipino workers, after some, who are supporters of former president Duterte, announced a "Zero Remittance Week" protest.

As a response, Mr. Acayan simply questioned Mr. Garrido’s intent. The latter then made his accusations on the social media platform.

The FFJ denounces the misuse of the photo, which is a clear record of the human rights violations that were committed during Duterte's so-called "drug war". Using this image for satire is not only unethical, but also inhumane.

Firstly, we would like to remind Mr. Garrido and the public that using another person’s body of work without their authority is tantamount to theft.

Second, we would also like to emphasize that photojournalists like Mr. Acayan do not capture and publish pictures just for "clicks and likes". Being witnesses to significant events and sharing their accounts of these moments in time to the world, even if these are uncomfortable, is not exploitation. Rather, it is their duty as truth-tellers.

The guild urges Mr. Garrido to take down his post, out of respect for the families. Instead of punching down, why not call for justice for the victims. That is the least that any Filipino can do.

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25/03/2025

Congratulations to FFJ member Lisa Marie David for being one of the nominees for the 2025 Joop Swart Masterclass! Bravo!

📸 The 2025 Joop Swart Masterclass nominees have been selected!

Encouraging new and diverse approaches to photojournalism, documentary photography and visual storytelling, the Joop Swart masterclass is World Press Photo’s best known education program.

An international panel of 97 nominators has selected over 200 nominees for this year’s masterclass. At the end of April, the 12 participants selected to join the 2025 Joop Swart Masterclass will be announced. The main objective of the program is mentoring and developing photographers with 5-10 years experience, and places special emphasis on building skills for long and sustainable careers.

Find out if you have been nominated and read more about the selection process: https://www.worldpressphoto.org/education/programs/joop-swart-masterclass/2025-joop-swart-masterclass-nominees

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Pictured here, participants from the class of 2024.

The 2025 Joop Swart Masterclass is made possible thanks to funding from the Porticus Foundation.

14/03/2025

In Case You Missed It: FFJ Member and photojournalist Lisa Marie David, along with fellow women photographers Geela Garcia and Ennuh Tiu, was interviewed in today's episode of "It's A Beautiful Day" on the Bilyonaryo News Channel. They discussed their roots as photographers and the state of photography in the Philippines.

Rise and shine! Tune in to "It's A Beautiful Day" with Anne Asis-Carilo, Monique Tuzon, and Paolo del Rosario — only on BNC. 🕥 7:00 a.m., Mondays - Fridays?...

10/03/2025

FFJ Member Spotlight: Bee Go is one of the featured women in Goated Philippines's Women in Sports Media. Bee is a sports journalist, and founder of Atleta Filipina, a platform for Filipino women in sports.