Rappler opens new AI masterclass for executives as demand for responsible AI grows

MANILA, Philippines – “That Rappler workshop scared me to death about AI,” remarked veteran economist Winnie Monsod after attending one of Rappler’s AI Masterclasses at the Rappler Civic Hub. 

It wasn’t the technology that was unsettling for her, but rather the implications. 

“Rappler taught me how to use AI, but they also made me realize how easily it can be abused,” she said. That tension, between risk and opportunity, is precisely where Rappler’s AI Masterclasses are anchored on. 

As generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) rapidly reshapes how we work, learn, and make decisions, the challenge is no longer just access, but using these tools responsibly, critically, and with purpose.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING. Economist and former NEDA chief Solita ‘Winnie’ Monsod joins educators and professionals at the Rappler newsroom for RappLearn and The Nerve’s ‘Teaching and Thinking in the Age of AI’ workshop.

Through its learning arm RappLearn, Rappler brings a distinct perspective to the conversation, drawing from its work at the intersection of data and technology, journalism, and community, to equip leaders with the skills and judgment needed in the age of AI. 

Innovation at the core

Through Rappler’s development of Rai, a newsroom chatbot built with strong editorial guardrails, and the publication of its Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence, it has not only adopted AI tools, but has also practiced how these can be used ethically and responsibly in high-stakes environments.

This hands-on experience informs how Rappler approaches AI education: grounded in real-world application, guided by ethical frameworks, and anchored in the belief that AI should support — not replace — human judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making.

Building on these experiences and insights, RappLearn is now offering its AI Masterclass more frequently throughout the year to support leaders and professionals of any industry navigate AI using the same critical, ethical, and practical lenses. The sessions are scheduled in June, September, and December 2026 at the Rappler HQ in Manila.

This also comes after a series of well-received RappLearn AI workshops in November 2025, February and March 2026. 

About the AI workshop and resource persons

“Joining the masterclass was important for us, especially in navigating the sense of overwhelm brought about by the rapid and widespread adoption of AI,” said a leader from the child rights organization Consuelo Foundation, whose team participated in one of Rappler’s executive workshops.

“What stood out to me was realizing that even the people at Rappler are grappling with AI, but are actively working to understand it, despite how quickly the landscape is evolving.”

AI POLICY LAB. Staff from the Consuelo Foundation join RappLearn’s team-based workshop on March 7, 2026, at the Rappler newsroom to gain foundational knowledge and hands-on guidance in using generative AI, participating in a collaborative session to draft values-based policies that ensure AI use remains ethical, responsible, and human-centered.

The workshop, “Work Better, Think Smarter in the Age of AI,” is designed to help professionals, businesses, and organizations from varying industries learn the fundamentals of generative AI, gain hands-on experience with AI tools, and explore ways to keep learning and working in a human-centered way. 

Participants will not only be taught technical skills, but will also gain knowledge and perspective needed to navigate AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively in real-world settings.

The workshop will be led by Gemma Mendoza, Rappler’s head of digital services, and Don Kevin Hapal, head of data and innovation at The Nerve, a digital forensics consultancy born from Rappler’s investigative work on disinformation.

GEN AI LANDSCAPE. Gemma Mendoza, Rappler’s head of digital services, leads a deep dive into GenAI capabilities and critical guardrails for data privacy and disinformation during the RappLearn workshop on March 7, 2026, at the Rappler newsroom.

Gemma Mendoza is an award-winning investigative journalist who leads Rappler’s initiatives on fact-checking, digital literacy, and community workshops. She has pioneered projects connecting journalism and data with citizen action, providing a strong foundation for teaching critical thinking and responsible AI use.

Don Kevin Hapal brings expertise in AI strategy, digital forensics, and understanding how disinformation is weaponized. His work offers participants practical insights into the opportunities and risks of AI in education and learning design.

AI USE. Don Kevin Hapal, head of Data and Innovation at The Nerve, facilitates a hands-on lab during RappLearn’s workshop, guiding participants through the practical use of AI tools and effective prompting strategies to enhance workplace productivity while maintaining human-centered oversight.

What participants will learn 

Participants can expect a mix of foundational concepts, practical exercises, and critical discussions. The one-day hands-on workshop, running from 9 am to 5 pm, will cover the following topics:

• Demystifying Generative AI
  A clear and accessible introduction to how generative AI works — including its capabilities, limitations, and why it sometimes produces errors.
  
• AI, the Future of Work, and Professional Readiness
  This session connects key AI concepts to real-world applications, highlighting why AI literacy is essential for staying relevant and adaptable in today’s workplace.
  
• Hands-on Lab: Practical AI for the Workplace and/or Businesses
  A guided, hands-on session where participants use AI tools, practice writing effective prompts, and explore ways to apply these skills in their own contexts.
  
• Protecting Critical Thinking in the AI Era
  This module examines the risks AI poses to independent thinking and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and ethical use.
  
• Quick Takeaways and Practical Assessments
  A synthesis activity where participants apply what they’ve learned through practical scenarios and exercises.

How to join the workshop

The workshop is open to participants across sectors. Upcoming sessions are scheduled on the following dates from 9 am to 5 pm. 

• Friday, June 19, 2026 
• Friday, September 4, 2026
• Friday, December 5, 2026

The workshop fee for individuals is ₱20,000 per participant, which covers participation, lunch and snacks, learning materials, access to tools and additional resources, and an online learning module.

Each cohort is strictly limited to a maximum of 20 participants to ensure an intimate and high-impact learning environment. Registration for these exclusive slots closes one day before the session or once the maximum capacity is reached, whichever comes first.

To secure your slot in the executive masterclass, email learn@rappler.com.

GROUP PHOTO. Leaders and professionals from various sectors join Workshop 2 of the RappLearn AI series to draft ethical guardrails and values-based frameworks for their organizations, on March 7, 2026, at the Rappler newsroom.

Customized training available

For organizations and institutions seeking a more tailored experience, we offer exclusive institutional training for the following workshops:

• Workshop 1: Work Better, Think Smarter in the Age of AI (same as above but customized to fit organization’s needs and priorities)
  
• Workshop 2: Crafting and Implementing AI Policies that Work
  Building on the foundational knowledge of Gen AI learned in Workshop 1, this session helps leaders move beyond the “PDF in the folder” by turning ethics into operational habits. By the end of this workshop, teams will have a clear roadmap to define “red lines,” assign governance roles, and embed ethical checks directly into project briefs and editorial templates.

Beyond these specialized AI series, RappLearn offers a comprehensive suite of training sessions to sharpen an organization’s edge, including data storytelling, journalism and fact-checking, creating effective short-form videos, media relations, and digital safety, among others.

If you are interested in a custom corporate package specifically designed for teams of 10 or more participants, email learn@rappler.com to discuss customized arrangements and group scheduling. – Rappler.com