PPI Opens Membership to Online News Sites, Adds New Awards

The Philippine Press Institute (PPI) has redefined its membership rules to include online news organizations, signaling a shift toward greater inclusivity and digital relevance in the country’s media landscape.

At its 2025 General Assembly held at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, members unanimously approved an amendment to the PPI bylaws, replacing the categories “Regular” and “Associate” with “Print” and “Online.”

“A bold move on the part of the PPI to be not just relevant but more inclusive,” the PPI board said in a statement, affirming the organization’s commitment to adapt to changing times.

PPI Chairman and President Rolando Estabillo emphasized that the media landscape has evolved rapidly, and the institute must not remain “parochial or passive.”

In his address, re-elected Visayas trustee and corporate secretary Atty. Ruevivar Reyes urged the institute to recalibrate its direction, citing the PPI News Commons as an example of progressive action.

“We’ve done a lot of introspection already. The PPI News Commons is a bold move—a result of our collective aspiration and commitment,” Reyes said.

Launched in 2019, the PPI News Commons is a digital news aggregation platform that curates content from nearly 70 community publications nationwide.

It supports local journalism by expanding its digital footprint and making community stories accessible to wider audiences.

The PPI will submit the updated bylaws and Articles of Incorporation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the coming days.

Marking its 61st year, the PPI also expanded its annual Community Press Awards by adding two new categories in partnership with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts.

Harold Brian Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs, announced the two new categories: Best Reporting on Sustainable Tourism and Best Reporting on Livable Community.

These additions join the existing award categories supported by Nickel Asia Corp., PPI’s principal and institutional partner.

Executive Director Ariel Sebellino said the expanded program aims to “democratize” recognition in community journalism while maintaining the awards’ integrity.

“Member newspapers can also expand their coverage and readership,” Sebellino added, as PPI encourages reporting on issues with broader impact.

The changes reflect PPI’s broader mission to modernize and stay relevant in a fast-evolving media ecosystem while maintaining its role as the country’s oldest professional print media organization.