Rappler to launch anti-corruption roadshow in Dumaguete—Here’s how to join

MANILA, Philippines – Do you want to know how you can help spot and report corruption in your community?

Rappler is holding an anti-corruption roadshow that aims to equip citizens with basic skills and knowledge they need to be watchdogs against the abuse of public funds. Its first stop will be in Dumaguete City from February 2 to 5, 2026. 

Titled “#CorruptionWatch: Spot, report, stop it,” the roadshow stop has two major components: a townhall-like public forum on February 5, and workshops from February 2 to 4.

The forum, open and free to the public, will feature a panel with Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental public officials, and civil society leaders. 

The workshops will feature Rappler reporters and community engagement staff training a smaller group of participants on how to be effective corruption and transparency watchdogs. These workshops are also free but due to limited slots, interested participants will have to submit an application (scroll below for more details).

The Dumaguete stop is done in partnership with Silliman University (SU), SU College of Mass Communication, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators, SU College of Business Administration, and the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated.

Read below for more details about the public forum, and the workshops.

Public forum with Dumaguete and Negros Oriental leaders

Be part of Rappler’s public forum on February 5, and hear from civil society leaders and local officials as they share how local government and citizens can help address community issues and prevent corruption. 

The public forum will feature panel discussions on transparency, civic action, and ways to strengthen our institutions. It will be held on Thursday, February 5, 1 to 4 pm, at the Silliman University Main Library.

Join the public forum by registering for the event below.

All attendees must download the Rappler app ahead of the forum as it will be used in the event. The app is a news and community-building app that uses generative AI for journalism and civic engagement. It’s available on Play Store and iOS. Register here or click the button below:

Register for the public forum

Deadline for registration is on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6 pm.

Corruption monitoring workshops

As part of its roadshow, Rappler will also be holding exclusive hands-on workshops on watchdog skills every citizen must know for 15 civil society and student leaders in Dumaguete City. Those with a background or experience in storytelling and communication are encouraged to apply.

The workshops will be held from February 2 to 4 in Silliman University, with the following schedule:

• February 2 –  1 pm to 5:30 pm
• February 3 – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
• February 4 – 9:30 am to 4 pm

Snacks and refreshments will be provided for the participants.

During these workshops, participants will learn from Rappler journalists and civic engagement specialists on how citizens can serve as watchdogs and contribute to corruption monitoring in their communities. 

The sessions will cover:

• basic data-gathering and verification
• basic reporting
• field coverage
• how to spot corruption red flags, document, and report evidence

Following the training, participants are expected to carry out their community watch plans and become Movers (civic engagement volunteers with Rappler), who can pursue local community stories, with support from Rappler. They will also be the pioneering hub for Rappler volunteers in Dumaguete City.

To make the training conducive for learning, a maximum of 15 participants may join the workshops. Due to the limited number of slots, interested participants must submit an application, which will be reviewed by Rappler.

Interested participants must commit to attending the two-day training and the public forum on February 5. Those affiliated with civil society or student organizations are highly encouraged to join.

Criteria and how to apply for workshops

The criteria for selecting the 15 participants are the following:

• At least 18 years old and based in Dumaguete City or nearby areas
• Good writing and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of short video production preferred but not required
• Journalism or video production experience a plus but not required
• Ideally, affiliated with an organization
• Must be willing to be a civic engagement volunteer with Rappler
• Must be willing to execute a community watch plan with fellow volunteers
• Must commit to attending the workshops from February 2 to 4, and the public forum on February 5, 2026

To indicate your interest in joining the workshops, please submit an application here or click the button below:

Register for workshops

Deadline for application is on Wednesday, January 28, 11:59 pm. Those applying for the workshop should also answer the form for the public forum.

Applicants will be screened by Rappler. All will be notified about the status of their applications by January 31.

For any questions or concerns, email [e-mail]. – Samantha Bagayas/Rappler.com