The development of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector is crucial in terms of food security and sustainability. Progress within these sectors should be communicated. This makes the role of professional journalists more relevant.
This year, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) once again recognizes the efforts of journalists in communicating the outputs of research and development in AANR through the Ulat SIPAG Award.
Print and Broadcast awardees
This year, Ms. Charissa “Chai” Luci-Atienza, former content writer for the Manila Bulletin, bagged the first place for the national print category. Her remarkable contributions in disseminating AANR innovations to the public through online and print media articles such as, DOST-PCAARRD's 'Saribuhay' YouTube series to be aired in November, DOST-PCAARRD bares P402-B R&D agenda for 2022-2028, and DOST-PCAARRD vows to continue implementing ‘more relevant, responsive’ programs for AANR sector. These were some of her remarkable articles published in the Manila Bulletin.
The second place was awarded to Ms. Vina Medenilla, content writer for Agriculture Magazine, wherein she published feature articles about gardening, fisheries, and success stories of farmers, agripreneurs, etc. Some of her works were Philippine vegetables that are slowly disappearing in markets and fields, Markaduke: A native pig recognized as the best lechon in the Philippines, and Erwad and Lagiwey: The north's favorite indigenous veggies that are not always 'out of place.'
Lastly, for the national print category, the third place was awarded to Ms. Angelina “Lyn” Resurreccion, Science Editor of BusinessMirror. Some of her notable works were Cosmetics from ‘tahong,’ anyone?, DOST inaugurates virology, vaccine lab, and Light at the end of the tunnel for PHL garlic?
Apart from the print media, the Council also recognized broadcast journalists for this year’s Ulat SIPAG Award - Broadcast Category.
For the national level, Ms. Hermelina “Melly” Tenorio once again bagged the first place for broadcast category for her program, “Syensya Na, Tekno Pa,” a radio program of Eagle Broadcasting Corporation through its flagship radio station, Radyo Agila. This is the fourth consecutive year that Ms. Tenorio has placed first in the national broadcast category.
Ms. Annabelle “Belle” Surara came in second place with her radio program, “Eat, Connect Na.” Her program is also broadcasted under Radyo Agila.
The sole winner for the regional category is Mr. Emil Jun delos Santos who is well-known for his radio program alias, “Daniel Castro.” Broadcasting under Radyo Calabarzon of Zoe Broadcasting Network, Daniel Castro has been in the forefront of sharing latest news updates in the CALABARZON region through his radio segments, Express Balita: Alas-Dose and his main program, Diskarte ni Daniel Castro.
The winners of the 2022 Ulat SIPAG Award were recognized and conferred during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of DOST-PCAARRD themed, “Tatak GALÍNG, Gáling PCAARRD: Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in AANR Innovations” held on November 10, 2022 at the Council’s headquarters