TEL AVIV, Israel — NET25 has joined a Philippine media delegation to Israel, with three representatives participating in a week-long study mission organized by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) aimed at providing Filipino journalists with firsthand exposure to the country’s media landscape, technological innovation, geopolitical environment, and Philippine-Israel relations.
Representing NET25 are Rikki Mathay of Mata ng Agila International (MNA International), Caesar Vallejos, Executive Producer and Host of Open For Business (OFB), and another member of the network’s delegation, joining around 20 journalists and media practitioners from the Philippines.
According to the invitation signed by Israeli Deputy Ambassador Ariel Seidman, the initiative seeks to foster goodwill and strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and the Philippines by giving Filipino media practitioners firsthand exposure to Israel’s dynamic media landscape, technological innovations, and geopolitical environment.
The program also provides participants with opportunities to engage with leading Israeli journalists, media organizations, government officials, and thought leaders to gain deeper insights into developments in the Middle East. The delegation is likewise expected to visit major media organizations and discuss the evolving role of journalism while promoting stronger collaboration between Filipino and Israeli media professionals.
The week-long itinerary includes meetings with officials from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visits to the Western Wall Tunnels, Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, communities along Israel’s northern border, and areas affected by the October 7 attacks, including Kibbutz Be’eri or Nir Oz and the Nova Festival memorial site.
The delegation will also visit the Alma Research and Education Center, the Kabri Resilience Center, an Iron Dome installation, a leading Israeli high-tech company, and media organizations including i24NEWS. Discussions with emergency response teams, members of the Druze and Bedouin communities, Israeli journalists, business leaders, and the Philippine Ambassador to Israel are likewise part of the program.
The visit coincides with the observance of Israel–Philippines Friendship Day, where delegates will meet members of the Filipino community in Jerusalem and visit the monument honoring former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, who provided refuge to Jewish refugees before the Second World War.
For Caesar Vallejos, the visit offers an opportunity to examine one of the world’s most innovative economies and share valuable lessons with Filipino entrepreneurs.
“Israel is recognized globally as the ‘Startup Nation,’ making this mission a valuable opportunity to understand how innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology continue to drive its economy even amid complex security challenges. Through Open For Business, we hope to bring Filipino viewers firsthand stories on business resilience, innovation, and the lessons that can inspire entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers back home,” Vallejos said.
Meanwhile, Rikki Mathay emphasized the value of firsthand reporting in covering international affairs.
“As journalists covering international affairs and current events, it is essential that we witness developments firsthand rather than rely solely on reports from afar. This visit allows us to better understand the realities on the ground, engage directly with the people involved, and provide Filipino audiences with accurate, balanced, and contextual reporting on issues that continue to shape the region and the world,” Mathay said.
The Philippine media delegation is scheduled to conclude its visit on August 12, following its final engagements with Israel’s defense, technology, and media sectors.
