25-Year-Old Journalist Passes Away Following Prolonged Illness
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A young journalist, Jan Cuyco, aged 25, tragically lost her life after battling a month-long illness. Jan, who was a member of Agence France-Presse’s fact-checking team in the Philippines, passed away on December 8, leaving her family and colleagues in mourning. Her family described her as a “gentle soul” who touched the lives of those around her and left an indelible mark through her work.
Jan Cuyco, a dedicated professional at AFP, specialized in debunking misinformation and disinformation prevalent in the country. Her family, in an online memorial fundraiser, expressed their deep love and sorrow over her untimely demise. They found solace in the belief that she is now at peace, surrounded by light and grace, despite the profound void her absence has created.
According to her family, Jan’s memory shines as a guiding light, providing comfort as they navigate the days ahead without her physical presence. Survived by her mother Jeanette, her father Chito, and her elder sister Fatima, Jan’s legacy as a meticulous journalist and a compassionate individual lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Jan Cuyco began her career in 2023 as a digital verification journalist at AFP, focusing on exposing and correcting false narratives circulating in the Philippines. Her commitment to equipping the public with accurate information was unwavering, as she strived to uphold journalistic integrity through her fact-checking endeavours.
Before joining AFP, Jan pursued a degree in journalism at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her dedication to the field earned her a journalist fellowship with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, showcasing her passion for impactful storytelling and truth-seeking. Colleagues and friends remember her for her relentless pursuit of truth and her compassionate nature.
Rappler, an online news platform, paid tribute to Jan Cuyco, highlighting her valuable contribution during her time as an intern with their business and economics team. The outpouring of condolences and tributes from the journalistic community reflects the profound impact Jan had on those she worked with, underscoring her exemplary professional ethos and personal warmth.
A funeral service to honour Jan Cuyco’s life is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and well-wishers to pay their final respects. The journalism community mourns the loss of a bright talent and a kind spirit, whose dedication to truth and compassionate storytelling will be dearly missed.
As the industry grapples with the loss of a promising young journalist, Jan Cuyco’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, diligence, and empathy in journalism. Her commitment to upholding truth in the face of misinformation echoes beyond her untimely passing, inspiring a new generation of journalists to follow in her impactful footsteps. Jan’s memory will endure as a beacon of light in the quest for journalistic excellence and unwavering truth.