ACFJ - Asian Center for Journalism at Ateneo

18/09/2026

The Asian Center for Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University joins the community of journalists and communication workers in the Philippines and across Asia in lamenting the closure of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), a vanguard of press freedom that has helped uphold the highest standards of journalism for generations.

For years, CMFR has championed journalistic standards that have kept Filipino journalists and news organizations on their toes. It has defined the parameters of excellence we strive to uphold and provided the yardstick against which those of us in the news media measure ourselves.

CMFR was the voice of reason that enlightened journalists on what ought to be; it put us in our place when pressure and the demands of our work made us lose our way. It cheered us on—and held out hope for us—when we did right.

A heartfelt salute to CMFR.

CMFR regrets to announce that it is closing its operations, effective September 30, 2026. The decision ends 37 years of media development work. Established in 1989, CMFR has maintained its mission over periods of widely differing political environments and the diverse challenges they presented.

Philippine and international funding support has sustained the work of CMFR; but multiple factors have affected the funding environment, making it difficult for CMFR to secure the necessary funds for its operations.

CMFR would like to thank all who have been part of the journey – our past and present staff, the community of journalists and news organizations in the Philippines and abroad, various embassies in Manila, the schools and students, and civil society organizations – who appreciated and understood the value of our work and supported our efforts.

We are truly grateful. Please accept our best wishes.

01/09/2026

"Solace is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of humanity."

Calling all ACFJ Photojournalism, Multimedia Journalism and Visual Journalism students and alumni!

KAS Media Programme Asia and ACFJ invite you to share stories of grace, human connection, and hope amidst adversity for the upcoming SOLACE photo exhibition. Check out the link below to submit your work before September 16, 2026.

Submit your stories here: bit.ly/dvjexhibit

27/08/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cheryl Borsoto Nasol—an alumna of our Diploma in Photojournalism program, program coordinator for ACFJ’s diploma programs, and former faculty member of both ACFJ programs and the Department of Communication.

We remember Cheryl with immense gratitude for the warmth, dedication, and passion she brought to her students and colleagues. Her memory will always remain in our hearts.

Paalam, Cheryl

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Cheryl Borsoto Nasol, a beloved teacher and faculty member of the Department of Communication.

We remember Cheryl with gratitude and affection for the warmth and dedication she shared with her students and colleagues. Her presence in our community will be deeply missed, and her memory will remain in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

Please keep Cheryl and her loved ones in your prayers.

We love you, Cheryl 💙

25/08/2026

19/06/2026

"Don't pretend you don't see."

As the Ateneo de Manila University Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation, renowned Bangladeshi photographer, journalist, and ACFJ mentor Shahidul Alam delivered a challenge that extended far beyond the commencement stage.

Conferred the degree of Doctor in Sociology, honoris causa, Alam urged graduates to use their education not simply to open doors for themselves, but to stand with those whose struggles are too often overlooked.

A mentor in ACFJ's early Photojournalism program, Alam reminded the audience that meaningful work begins with paying attention — to injustice, to inequality, and to the people whose stories deserve to be seen and heard.

His message was simple yet profound: don't look away.

Read more about Shahidul Alam's commencement address and honorary degree on the ACFJ website -- https://sites.google.com/ateneo.edu/acfj-home/news-feed/photojourno-shahidul-alam-to-class-of-2026-dont-pretend-you-dont-see?authuser=0

29/04/2026

Last week, ACFJ, as part of the We-Move (Movement for the Safety and Welfare of Women Journalists) consortium, supported the “Empowering Women Journalists” workshop led by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, bringing together 75 women journalists to advance safer, more inclusive media spaces.

Let’s work together to safeguard women journalists and create spaces where they can report safely and without fear.

30/03/2026

To cap this year’s National Women’s Month, we’re sharing insights from the March 18 policy roundtable under the We-Move consortium, organized by ACFJ with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines. Thank you, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, for putting this together.

A reminder that creating safer, more inclusive media spaces — where respect, accountability, and equity are non-negotiable — requires continued action

Let’s keep the conversation going.

04/03/2026

Women journalists call out Suntay remarks during House proceedings

In a collective response, women journalists raised concerns over the remarks made during congressional proceedings, emphasizing the need for respect and gender sensitivity in public discourse.

As we observe National Women’s Month, this serves as a reminder that dignity and accountability must be upheld in all spaces of power.

Read the full statement here: https://acfj.ateneo.edu/we-move/women-journalists

02/03/2026

Meet the 2026 Diploma in Visual Journalism (DVJ) lineup of students.

Seven journalists and media professionals from four countries begin their journey with the Asian Center for Journalism—strengthening skills in visual storytelling and multimedia reporting.

Read full article:
https://acfj.ateneo.edu/news-feed/7-journalists-media-pros-from-4-countries-in-2026-dvj-program

01/03/2026

The ACFJ mourns the loss of multi-awarded photojournalist Alex Baluyut, who was one of the founding faculty members of the Center's Photojournalism program, established in 2005 with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the World Press Photo.
This program continues today in the evolved Diploma in Visual Journalism, which has just started sessions last month.

The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (P*P) mourns the passing of Alex Baluyut, a founding member of P*P and a dedicated Filipino photojournalist whose work helped shape the visual record of our nation.

Alex played a vital role in documenting the defining years of Martial Law and the historic 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, creating images that stand as enduring testaments to truth and democracy. His work helped chronicle the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino people, reflecting his deep commitment to journalism as public service.

Together with other founding members, Alex was instrumental in building P*P’s foundation and advancing its mission to uphold professional and ethical photojournalism practice in the Philippines. He was one of the key pillars in P*P’s professional photojournalism workshops, generously sharing his expertise and helping raise the standards of visual storytelling for generations of practitioners.

He served as a mentor during the 2006 Asia-Europe Young Photographers Forum hosted by P*P in Manila, guiding emerging photographers from across regions with patience and insight. In addition, Alex was the key organizer of P*P’s major traveling exhibition, “Tan-aw Mindanaw,” commemorating 100 Years of Mindanao in Photographs—an important cultural undertaking that highlighted the island’s complex and vibrant history through powerful imagery.

Beyond his many achievements, Alex will be remembered for his humility, integrity, and unwavering dedication to nurturing young journalists. His presence strengthened our community, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in ethical storytelling and journalism in the service of the public.

Maraming salamat, Alex.

Rest in power.

Photos by Gigie Cruz