Once more, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) bestowed honors to its private media partners through the Ulat SIPAG Awards.
PCAARRD is a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). SIPAG stands for Strategic Industry (S&T) Program for Agri-Aqua Growth, the current focus of the Council’s branding initiative.
There are three categories: print, broadcast, and online. The award aims “to recognize the efforts of media professionals who showcased the highest standards of journalism and helped in the promotion of the Council’s research and development initiatives.”
For the print category (national), Lyn Resurrection of Business Mirror was declared first prize winner. She was recognized for “her well-crafted and popularized reports” about DOST-PCAARRD’s various initiatives, which she delivered to her readers.
Bella Cariaso, of Manila Times, got second place.
Also in the print category (regional), Davao-based Henrylito D. Tacio, took home the top award for his work on Edge Davao. He, the citation reads, “has consistently exhibited a remarkable talent for communicating scientific concepts into engaging and accessible narratives for Davaoeños.”
Tacio also writes for national publications like Agriculture Magazine, where he features success stories of farmers and some environmental issues.
In the broadcast category (national), there were three winners.
Veteran broadcaster Ruby Cristobal won the top prize for “effectively translating scientific interview discussions in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sectors to a form easily understood by the public.”
She also was cited as the co-anchor of DZRH’s “Radyo Henyo.” The citation further stated: “Cristobal continues to demonstrate her extensive experience in broadcasting through her well-researched and conversational approach to interviews.”
The two other winners were: Hermelina Tenorio (second place) for her show “Syensya na, Tekno Pa” on Radio Agila DZEC 1062 and Rico Hizon (third place) of CNN Philippines’ “The Final Word.”
Daniel Castro of DZJV 1458 Radio CALABARZON was declared winner in the regional broadcast category. The experienced Casto was cited for his program, “Diskarte ni Daniel Castro,” which catered to local news and audiences.
The citation further reads: “He continues to demonstrate extensive experience and expertise in broadcasting and discussing timely stories of the AANR sector.” This is the second time he won the award.
The recipient of the first online category was Dhel Nazario of Manila Bulletin. “Through his thought-provoking and insightful reports, he was able to transform scientific information into accessible and captivating narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds,” so goes the citation.
The awards were given during the PCAARRD’s 51 st founding anniversary held at the Elvira O. Tah Hall at Los Baños, Laguna on November 10, 2023. Awardees were given citations, trophies, and cash prizes.
Before Ulat SIPAG was known as the PCARRD Professional Media Award. But unlike its predecessor, Ulat SIPAG makes the recognition in parallel with the other three awards bestowed during the PCAARRD anniversary: the Pantas, Tanglaw, and Ugnay.
The Ulat SIPAG Awards were first started in 2017. — ###
