The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and San Miguel Corp. have renewed their decades-long partnership, continuing a legacy of keeping business reporters at the forefront of industry knowledge.
This year’s EJAP-SMC Journalism Seminar tackled a pressing question: Can journalism survive the content creation era?
“Our topic is critical because social media has democratized content creation—anyone can claim to be a reporter today. What sets us apart, however, is credibility, context, and a commitment to verify until the truth comes out. We are accountable for every story we produce,” said Cordero.
Ces Dimalanta, news anchor at Charlton Media Group, discussed how modern journalism tools powered by artificial intelligence can enhance reporting. She highlighted the sheer scale of social media—around 98 million users in the Philippines alone—as a key reason for journalists to actively engage audiences.
“In the digital age, social media platforms and AI shape how stories are told, shared, and remembered,” Dimalanta said. “As journalists, our responsibility is to harness these tools with integrity, ensuring that truth remains stronger than trend.”
Iris Gonzales, business editor of The Philippine Star, emphasized the enduring value of traditional reporting skills. “Nothing beats doing legwork, holding face-to-face meetings, and building professional relationships with sources, compared to relying solely on Viber or Zoom for information,” she said.
Dax Lucas, former EJAP president and founder/CEO of InsiderPH, shared insights on successfully transitioning from print to online media. “Business news has become a commodity, so business reporters need to stand out to reach wider audiences,” Lucas said.
Mary Jane Llanes, vice president for communications and media affairs, underscored the need to balance adaptation with discipline. “Mainstream media must evolve to meet changing news consumption habits, but the principles of fairness, accuracy, and accountability must remain,” she said. “We are proud to have supported this program for many years.”
The seminar reaffirmed EJAP and San Miguel Corp.’s commitment to equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools to navigate an increasingly dynamic media landscape.
