The regular writer of Philippine Morning Post was among the 15 recipients of the second Luntiang Pluma Awards during the culmination ceremony of the Dabaw Lunhaw Expo 2024 held at SM City Annex Event Center in Ecoland.
Henrylito D. Tacio, who is based in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, was honored with not just one but two awards “for bringing awareness and resolution to various environmental issues surrounding Davao City.”
The two features appeared in the pages of Edge Davao, where he regularly writes features and columns.
“Davao gulf in deep trouble,” which came out on May 23, showcased the Davao gulf as home to some of the country’s unique and beautiful coral reefs. Unfortunately, they are being destroyed and there’s a need to protect them from total annihilation.
The other feature was entitled “Protecting Davao’s watershed from devastation,” which came out on May 25. Davao City is one of the best sources of freshwater in the world. But the watershed, where the water comes from, is not spared from denudation.
“This is the first time I have been recognized in Davao City for my environmental stories,” said Tacio, who is the current president of the Manila-based Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists, Inc. “I am really honored for this recognition.”
Tacio received two trophies and a cash prize for his feat. In addition, he received two Certificate of Recognitions from Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte. He was recognized for his “outstanding work in journalism that has brought to the public consciousness environmental issues in the city, encouraging us all to work towards a more sustainable and greener Davao City.”
Tacio was one of the eight professional journalists who was given the recognition during the program.
Two journalists from Sun.Star Davao also received two awards each: Marianne Saberon-Abalayan for her features “Emerging from El Niño” and “Rains bring hope to farmers” and Rojean Grace Patumbon for her write-ups “Emerging crisis: Encroachment threatens vital watershed in Sitio Kalatong” and “Proposed subdivision at Shrine Hills faces backlash amid landslide concerns, regulatory scrutiny.”
Two more journalists from Sun.Star Davao also received citations: David Ezra Francisquete for “Davao Gulf divers, DENR-PAMO retrieve 100 meters of abandoned fishing nets” and Nova Mae Francas for “Lawmakers urged to craft laws to protect Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.”
“An Eye on El Niño: Farmers, gov’t to implement proactive measures,” the award-winning piece of Ian Carl Espinosa, who’s from MindaNews, also appeared in Sun.Star Davao.
Jesse Pizarro Boga, who was first to be called, also got an award for his article, “Meet the Davao’s fashion frontliners,” which was published in Mindanao Times.
In the student journalists’ category, Michael John Ante got two citations for his articles, “Kulay nga ba ang Pula?” and “Karton ng Luntiang Pakikibaka.” Both appeared in Primum, the official student publication of the University of Mindanao.
“Finally, my articles are given the opportunity to be heard and to be seen,” said Ante, a college student taking Bachelor of Science in Architecture. “The event was really an opportunity and platform to amplify environmental awareness and address issues.”
The other winners were Francesca Baliota for “Mainit-init na Usapin Pagpapahalaga sa Edukasyon sa Panahon ng El Niño,” Daniel Jamito and Danica Raneses for “Bankerohan Public Market: A Challenge,” and Precious Lamanilao for “Makakalikasan: Isang Batang Tagapangtanggol ng Likas na Yaman.”
This year’s chairperson of the board of judges is Dr. Maria Gemima Valderrama, a journalism professor of Ateneo de Davao University.
“It’s great to read stories that promote environmental awareness,” she said. “If there is one story that should be highlighted, it is about protecting our ecological resources and preventing environmental destruction. Kudos to journalists with a vision and a heart for stories like this.
“This generation needs more stories that contribute to environmental consciousness,” she added.
The winners had the opportunity of listening to the thought-provoking message from Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, who was invited guest speaker.
“I believe this event is more than just giving recognition to the outstanding environmental efforts, more than celebrating milestones, but also inspiring good action,” said Ocampo, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, in his speech. “By drawing influence from our awardees, we can make their green initiatives as part of our daily lives, which may create a positive impact on our community.”
To all awardees, Ocampo said, “I am personally acknowledging your outstanding contributions. You are the core of this event. You are the pillars whom we look up to strive for excellence. Your dedication has not only earned you these awards but has also made you role models for sustainability across our city.
“Your efforts are helping to shape a more resilient, greener Davao, and for that, I am immensely grateful,” he further said. “Without your relentless passion and hard work, this event would not have the transformative power it does today. I applaud each and every one of you.”
The Luntiang Pluma is one of the projects of the Lunhaw Awards Committee of Davao City, which is composed of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the City Agriculturist Office, the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Davao City Water District, and the Davao Association of Catholic Schools.
Among the articles and features considered for the awards are those that expose, oppose, propose, advocate, or affirm environmental realities and report on destructive and corrective actions within Davao City.
Thematic areas include water, air, waste, energy, climate action, watershed and forest management, land use and urban livability, and environmental rights.
A week earlier, Tacio was also nominated in two categories in the 2024 Bantog Awards given by the Department of Science and Technology. He was nominated for Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (Text) and Best S&T Feature Story (Text).
Last year, Tacio was named Columnist of the Year in Mindanao by the Globe Media Excellence Awards for his column which appeared in Philippine Morning Post. He discussed how the methane from rice straw can be used in producing clean fuel.
Tacio has received almost three dozen journalism awards, including two hall of fame awards from Philippine Press Institute and Biotech Journalism Awards. He was also a recipient of the Journalist of the Year from Rotary Club of Manila.
Aside from those mentioned earlier, Tacio also writes for Enrich, a monthly publication of Mercury Drug, Marid Agribusiness Magazine, and Agriculture Magazine. He also used to write for the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest. – ###
Photos by Armando Mortejo
