Gelo Gonzales, a senior multimedia reporter at Rappler, has been named one of the twelve fellows for the 2026 East-West Center Jefferson Fellowships. His selection reflects a significant recognition of his work in technology journalism.
The fellowship program, scheduled from October 25 to November 12, 2026, will take place in Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul. It is designed to explore the ramifications of artificial intelligence on societies and economic security within the Asia-Pacific region.
Exploring AI's Societal Impact
This year's fellowship focuses on understanding AI's transformative role in various sectors, including public administration and healthcare.
East-West Center
- Investigating AI's effects on employment and economic inequality
- Addressing data privacy issues associated with technological advancements
The Jefferson Fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of cultural and socio-economic issues in the Indo-Pacific. Gonzales, who has a background in lifestyle and technology reporting, will engage with a variety of experts during the program.
He is one of only two Filipino journalists selected for this year's cohort, alongside Purple Romero from Agence France-Presse. This selection underscores the importance of Filipino voices in international dialogues about technology and society.
A Diverse Cohort of Journalists
The 2026 cohort includes journalists from various countries, each bringing unique perspectives to the discussions on AI. Notable fellows include:
- Anusha Bradley, *Radio New Zealand*
- Ju Min Chien, *The New York Times*
- Chiara Eisner, *NPR*
As technology increasingly shapes global narratives, the insights gained during this fellowship will be vital for understanding AI's multifaceted impact on our societies.