Extreme Weather in the Philippines Investigative Reporting Fellowship

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites Philippine journalists to apply for investigative reporting fellowships on climate disaster preparedness and adaptation. Selected fellows will attend a three-day training, receive mentorship, and produce in-depth stories for publication, with each fellowship providing P118,000 in support. The program emphasizes accountability, environmental impacts, and actionable journalism to inform communities and policymakers.

Overview

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering fellowships for investigative reporting focused on climate-induced natural disasters in the Philippines. The program seeks journalists to examine government preparedness, allocation of disaster funds, climate-resilient infrastructure, and environmental degradation, with an aim to promote transparency, accountability, and community resilience.

Fellowship Objectives

• Investigate accountability for extreme weather preparedness and disaster management

• Assess the effectiveness of climate-resilient infrastructure and funding use

• Examine environmental degradation, including deforestation, illegal mining, and coastal damage, and its impact on disaster vulnerability

• Produce in-depth, actionable stories for publication or broadcast

Who is Eligible?

• Journalists based in the Philippines with minimum two years of professional journalism experience

• Prior reporting experience in environmental, climate, or governance issues

• Freelancers and staff from international, national, local, and community media outlets

• Journalists across all media platforms: online, print, television, radio, or other expert media formats

Additional Requirements

• Submission of a signed letter of commitment from a publisher or media organization guaranteeing publication

• Transparency about any generative AI tools used in proposal development

• Stories may be in English or Filipino, with English translations required for Filipino-language outputs

Fellowship Structure

1. Investigative Reporting Workshop

• Duration: 3 days in mid-January 2026

• Content:

  • Climate science and localized environmental impacts

  • Science-based disaster management in the Philippines

  • Investigative techniques: data journalism, OSINT, GIS mapping, satellite imagery analysis

  • Physical and online security training

  • Field visits to communities affected by climate disasters, including Bulacan reclamation areas

2. Mentored Story-Grant Phase

• Duration: February to May 2026

• Support: Remote mentorship from senior journalists, ongoing coaching, and editorial guidance

• Output: Publishable investigative story on climate disaster preparedness by May 2026

Fellowship Budget and Support

• Number of Fellowships: Up to 12

• Funding: P118,000 per fellow

• Eligible Costs: Reporting necessities, logistics, safety, and security; not for new equipment purchases

• Publication Requirement: Stories must credit EJN with: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.”

How to Apply / What to Submit

1. Prepare an original, actionable investigative story proposal focused on accountability for extreme weather preparedness

2. Submit the proposal including:

   • Clear story angle and relevance

   • Planned methodology and timeline

   • Safety, security, and logistical considerations

   • Signed letter of commitment from a publisher or media outlet

3. Ensure transparency about any AI tools used in proposal preparation

4. Submit the proposal by the specified deadline (to be confirmed by EJN website)

Selection Criteria

• Relevance and societal impact of the story

• Strength of investigative angle and novelty

• Potential reach and audience engagement

• Feasibility of producing and publishing the story within the timeline

• Innovation in storytelling techniques

Rights and Publication

• EJN, partners, and the Wikimedia Foundation may edit, publish, broadcast, and distribute stories freely

• Encouraged to use Creative Commons licensing, where compatible with outlet policies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals lacking a clear investigative angle

• Ignoring publication commitments or failing to provide a signed letter

• Using AI-generated content without disclosure

• Underestimating safety, security, or logistical needs

• Missing translation requirements for Filipino-language outputs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the fellowship?
Journalists in the Philippines with at least two years of professional experience in environmental, climate, or governance reporting.

What is the stipend amount?
Each fellowship provides P118,000 to cover reporting-related expenses.

Are freelancers eligible?
Yes, both freelance journalists and staff reporters from all media types are encouraged to apply.

What kind of stories are expected?
Investigative reports on climate disaster preparedness, government accountability, and environmental degradation.

Can the story be in Filipino?
Yes, but an English translation must be provided for submission.

Is AI use allowed in proposal preparation?
Yes, but applicants must disclose any use of AI tools.

What is the publication requirement?
Stories must be published or broadcast by May 2026, crediting EJN support with the tagline provided.

Conclusion

The EJN Philippines Fellowship empowers journalists to produce high-impact investigative stories on climate disaster preparedness. By combining rigorous training, mentorship, and financial support, the program strengthens accountability reporting and promotes climate resilience awareness across communities and policymaking institutions.