by Henrylito D. Tacio
“First you guess. Don’t laugh, this is the most important step. Then you compute the consequences. Compare the consequences to experience. If it disagrees with experience, the guess is wrong. In that simple statement is the key to science. It doesn’t matter how beautiful your guess is or how smart you are or what your name is. If it disagrees with experience, it’s wrong. That’s all there is to it.” – Richard P. Feynman
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Bantog is a Tagalog word that means “popular, famous, or prominent.” It can also refer to someone who has become well-known or a celebrity.
Now, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – the executive department of the government responsible for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the country and to formulate policies and projects in the fields of science and technology in support of national development – is again revitalizing the Bantog Awards.
“The public needs guidance on how to process and understand new technologies that can potentially disrupt their daily lives,” said the DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute (STII). “In times of crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic or an earthquake, without proper explanation, society may fall into chaos.”
The science department “recognizes the crucial role that media plays in informing the public about the benefits and dangers of new technologies, as well as how to prepare for natural disasters and health epidemics.”
In order for these people in the media to be recognized for their important role “in creating public awareness on science, technology, and innovation,” the science department is trying to bridge the gap and strengthen the relations between the department and the media.
It is for this reason that the department wants to reward those who have done their best in reaching the Filipino people and informing them what science can do for them.
“One of the key initiatives seen is through rewards and recognition, a tool that will incentivize the efforts of media partners by having a regular media award for the best science and technology content,” the STII said in a statement.
In 2018, several science journalists from all over the country – mostly from Metro Manila – were recognized by giving them incentives through the Bantog Awards, touted as “The Science For The People Media Awards.”
The award-giving body wants to “recognize the best works of the year of our partner media writers, reporters, correspondents, bloggers, content creators, information officers, and media organizations for their efforts in growing the interest in science and technology of the public by developing in-depth science news reporting, segments, programs, specialized science literacy audio package, and feature stories aimed to increase science literacy in the country.”
Although it is open to all journalists, the Bantog Media Awards is specifically for “all credible science media practitioners, advocates, and allies with irrefutable integrity devoted to increasing science literacy, appreciation, and awareness in the country through media reporting and science writing.”
The award focuses on the in-depth explanatory program or writing on the science behind any of the DOST programs, technologies, projects, services, and/or advocacy offerings and how the public can benefit from these initiatives.
“Entries should possess general perspectives about an issue or concerns and provide a deeper understanding by incorporating data, case studies, and scenarios among others that will enrich the story and drive discussions even among non-expert audiences,” the STII pointed out.
There are three awards for the text category: Best S&T News Story, Best S&T Feature Story, and Best S&T Editorial/Opinion. Those who want to join should submit three digital copies of published entries.
Only two awards are given for the audio category: Best S&T News Story and Best S&T Editorial/Opinion. The latter can either be audio or video. Requirements: 3-5 digital copies of streamed/broadcasted entries.
The video category has also two awards to be given: Best S&T Investigative Story and Best S&T Short-form series – examples: Tiktok, Facebook reels, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels. For the former, only one digital copy of streamed/ broadcasted entry is required while 3-5 digital copies of streamed/broadcasted entries are required for the latter.
Those working with the DOST will also be recognized through the Outstanding S&T Information Officer. At least three personnels will be given the award.
There is also an Outstanding S&T Advocate or the Institutional Media Awards.
Nominees/ nominating parties are required to fill-out the online form along with the copies of news articles published in printed newspaper and/or online and/or TV/Radio segments/documentaries aired on television/radio which features DOST S&T stories for the period of July 2023 to June 2024.
All news articles and TV/Radio segment/documentary submissions should be properly labelled with title of article/segment/program, the name of writer/reporter/s, name of media organization, and date of publication/release.
All entries must be accompanied by evidence illustrating the reach and impact of submitted articles and/or TV/Radio segments/documentary programs such as but not limited to the following: Number of online shares/views; and/or Google analytics (number of webpage hits). Submissions may be done in person, through e-mail, and/or courier.
Nominees/ nominating party must submit the above-mentioned requirements no later than August 9, 2024, 12:00NN (PST) to DOST Media Awards 2024 Secretariat pr@stii.dost.gov.ph.
