Mara Cepeda, an Icon of Change from the Philippines

Icons of Change International Awards 2025
Mara Cepeda
Philippines Correspondent, The Straits Times (Singapore)
Lecturer, Ateneo de Manila University & University of the Philippines
Lecturer, University of the Philippines
Treasurer of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines
SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Truth Advocate and Courageous Storyteller for Democratic Integrity
In an era when truth is often contested and press freedom remains under siege, Mara Cepeda stands at the frontline of journalism—not merely reporting on the world as it is, but helping shape the world as it should be. As the Philippines Correspondent for Singapore’s The Straits Times and a seasoned political journalist, Mara has built an impactful career telling stories at the crossroads of politics, diplomacy, defence, and human rights. Her reporting doesn’t just inform—it interrogates power, uplifts marginalized voices, and holds institutions accountable.
Prior to joining The Straits Times in 2022, Mara covered Philippine politics at Rappler, a newsroom internationally recognised for its fearless journalism under pressure. Her work during these years helped chronicle the turbulent political transformations in the Philippines, amplifying the stakes of democratic erosion and civic resistance in Southeast Asia. Her commitment to nuance, evidence, and context has made her a critical voice in understanding the region’s democratic pulse.
Beyond her reporting, Mara is shaping the next generation of truth-seekers as a journalism lecturer at both Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines—two of the country’s most respected academic institutions. In this role, she is not only transferring technical skills but also instilling in young journalists the courage, clarity, and ethical compass needed in an increasingly complex media landscape.
Internationally recognised, Mara has been awarded fellowships from the United Nations through the Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship and from the National University of Singapore and Temasek Foundation through the Asia Journalism Fellowship. These accolades affirm her growing influence as a cross-border communicator capable of bridging narratives between the local and the global, the personal and the political.
As treasurer of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, she also plays a crucial role in upholding press solidarity, ethical standards, and the safety of journalists in the country—an essential function in a region where press freedom is frequently under threat.
Whether covering critical defence summits or exposing policy failures impacting vulnerable communities, Mara’s work underscores the essential role of media in sustaining just and inclusive societies.