MANILA, Philippines — Eight journalists including three members of Philstar.com's newsroom have been named panelists for the prestigious annual journalism seminar named after the late press freedom champion Jaime V. Ongpin.
The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility's board of trustees selected online producers Franco Luna and James Relativo as among those whose body of work this year have been noted for journalistic excellence.
Luna frequently reports on human and civil rights especially in the conduct of police operations, mobility and access to transportation and in relation to persons with disabilities.
Relativo is a Filipino-language reporter covering politics and human rights. He is also co-producer of web series Anyare.
Camille Diola, editor of Interaksyon and Philstar.com, is also returning as part of this year's panel. In 2020, she received the Award of Distinction, a top journalism award, for "the integrity of her editorial leadership."
Luna, Relativo and Diola's fellow panelists at the 2021 Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Seminar are:
- Lian Buan (Rappler)
- Christian Esguerra (ABS-CBN)
- Edson Guido (ABS-CBN)
- Mike Navallo (ABS-CBN)
- Pia Rañada (Rappler)
"CMFR established the Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Seminar to recognize journalists who have distinguished themselves with the quality of their work in the context of best practice, press freedom protection, and the promotion of media ethics," the organization says in its press release.
The panel discussion, to be held virtually on Thursday, October 14, will take up the "radical changes in the news landscape, the issues of press freedom and democracy, and the place of news in Philippine society." It will be live-streamed on CMFR's Facebook page at 9:30 a.m.