The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) will cease operations on Sept. 30, ending 37 years of media development work in the Philippines.

In a statement Friday, Sept. 18, CMFR said the decision to close was primarily due to the worsening funding environment, which has made it difficult for the organization to secure the funds needed to sustain its operations.

“CMFR regrets to announce that it is closing its operations, effective September 30, 2026,” the organization said.

Established in 1989, CMFR said it had maintained its mission through periods of varying political environments and the different challenges they brought.

The organization said its work had been sustained by Philippine and international funding support, but multiple factors had affected the funding environment.

CMFR expressed gratitude to its past and present staff, journalists and news organizations in the Philippines and abroad, embassies in Manila, schools and students, and civil society organizations that supported and recognized the value of its work.