[Be The Good] Community’s Choice for Rappler’s most impactful work in 2025

Hello!

The votes are in, our community has spoken. 

Our community’s top pick for Most Impactful Rappler Story in 2025 is the series of investigations into Zaldy Co’s businesses by reporter Dwight de Leon and former reporter Kaycee Valmonte. The reports, published months before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced his own flood control probe, laid the foundation for a national conversation on infra corruption.

Our community’s choice for Most Impactful 2025 Civic Engagement Initiative is the FloodControlPH crowdsourcing project led by my unit, Community. 

We used a chat room on the Rappler app as a virtual mailbox of tips, anecdotes, photos, and documents sent in by citizens concerned about public works projects in their locality.

This was our first time to allow community members to select their favorite Rappler story and initiative, based on the impact they have made (see the list of nominees here). 

It was wonderful to hear feedback, adding a sweet note at the end of an overwhelming year.

“Maraming salamat sa inyo Rappler family for your 24/7 attention and care to protect facts and fight for the truth. As seen in your various reports – which not only woke us up but even rocked the whole country to get up and walk – you’ve had tremendous impact, reaching out to so many and mobilizing us to action,” writes reader Jojo.

Rappler app user @deanraymund said he voted for business columnist Val Villanueva’s series on the Villar empire because the reportage “dared to speak where power expected silence.”

“What stayed with me was the impact. The reporting helped ignite public scrutiny and contributed to government sanctions – clear proof that persistent, truth-driven journalism can still move institutions. Val’s work did not just inform; it stirred civic courage and reminded us that accountability begins when citizens are given the facts and the confidence to demand better,” they wrote in the Volunteer Opportunities chat room.

Another app user, Christian Gabriel, explained his pick for Most Impactful Civic Engagement Initiative: the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship.

“Casting a vote for [the fellowship] reflects recognition of [Aries Rufo’s] long-standing contribution to ethical and responsible journalism. Aries Rufo is known for his work as a journalist and educator who promotes press freedom, critical thinking, and truth-telling values that are essential in campus journalism,” he wrote.

Dean Raymund and Christian will get a limited edition Linya-Linya x Rappler “Mabuti Pa” T-shirt for giving us valuable feedback. 

Speaking of, we’re formally launching our “Mabuti Pa” campaign and merchandise on January 24 at Linya-Linya’s headquarters in Quezon City!

The highlight of the launch will be a discussion among content creators and comedians who tackle governance, corruption, and accountability in their craft. 

Ansis Sy, Raco Ruiz, and Monica Cruz of SPIT Manila have all used their humor and creativity to make politics and governance more approachable and interesting. 

Their work brings more people, especially young Filipinos, into the conversation. The discussion will be moderated by our very own senior political reporter Bea Cupin.

Get your tickets here.

The “Mabuting Pamamahala” shirts will be sold at the venue. Let’s wear our advocacy and unabashedly call for good leadership and good governance. 

See you on January 24!

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– Rappler.com

Be the Good is a newsletter that comes out every other Wednesday. We deliver updates straight to your inbox on how journalism and communities can work together for impact.

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