In partnership with digital consultancy Bastion Digital, the 16-week program will run from February to June 2025, offering tools, training, and mentorship for five selected news organizations.
The workshops aim to empower journalists to responsibly integrate AI into their reporting processes. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Google’s AI tools, including Gemini, Pinpoint, and AI Studio, to design and execute experiments.
According to a Statista survey, journalism has rapidly embraced artificial intelligence with 32 percent of newsrooms already using generative AI tools in the creation of news content.
According to Google country director for Thailand and the Philippines Jackie Wang, the program underscores the company’s commitment to responsible AI adoption and enhancing journalism as the 2025 Philippine midterm elections approach.
“We’re proud to offer Filipino journalists AI training to improve accuracy, efficiency, and innovation in their reporting,” she said.
Bastion Digital’s AI consultant Shaun Davies will lead the program with a “test and learn” approach, helping participants explore AI’s potential.
Jenni Ryall, director for Bastion Digital, emphasized the firm’s dedication to guiding organizations in embracing AI innovation.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has endorsed the initiative, recognizing its value in promoting accurate reporting during the electoral period.
“Upskilling a key electoral stakeholder will contribute to a free, orderly, and credible electoral exercise,” said Comelec director John Rex Laudiangco.
Newsrooms must apply by Jan. 20, 2025, with the final participants announced by the end of January.
The program reflects Google’s ongoing investment in the Philippines’ digital future and the evolving role of AI in journalism.
Interested newsrooms can apply for the GNI AI Workshops program via this website.
