SOON!
Finally, the wait and anticipation will be over and done with.
That’s the announcement of the Department of Science and Technology through its Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).
This WAIT is for the RESULT of the inaugural Science Journalism Competition called “Bantog”: The Science for the People Media Awards organized by the DOST-STII.
4 categories for Bantog
Around 48 practicing journalists and government media staff and news organizations from across the Philippines joined “Bantog,” a Filipino word that means “famous” in English.
The organizers invited more than 70 journalists — national, regional, and local practicing members of the Philippine media.
There are four categories in the competition such as the Institutional Award (Media Organzations); Professional Award (Media Practitioners); Regional Media Practitioner Award; and DOST Outstanding Information Officer Award.
Php0.1 million awaits winners
At stake, aside from the sculptured trophy in gold color for the winners of the four brackets in the Professional Award — TV, Radio, Cyber Press (Online), and Print — are cash prizes: Php100,000, first place; Php50,000, second place; and Php25,000, third place.
The Regional Media Practitioner will have one winner with Php50,000 in cash and trophy.
For the Outstanding Information Officer Award, the winners stand to receive Php30,000, first place; P20,000, second place; and Php10,000, third place.
All winners will receive the same trophy.
Need for communicating science
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said at its launch in February 2018 that it is vital to communicate to the people the government’s S&T programs, projects, and products resulting from its research and development (R&D) initiatives and how people benefit from these technologies and innovations.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (2nd, right) with three practicing journalists in Butuan City during the DOST CARAGA 2018 Regional Science and Technology Week (EKU)
The Bantog then is the DOST’s way of recognizing science journalists who are in a way are partners of the government spreading the information across the country, more so in the countryside.
Front and back
For the DOST-STII head, Director Richard P. Burgos, the Science of the People Media Awards is both at the front and back science communication.
DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos at the DOST CARAGA RSTW, the inauguration of a Korean-made rice mill of the Bayugan Farmers Millers Multi-Purpose Cooperative. (EKU)
Here’s how the DOST-STII describes the Science Journalism award:
”Bantog: The Science for the People Media Awards is given in recognition for the important role of media practitioners (print, radio, TV, and online), in government and private practice, who made significant contributions to the promotion of science and technology information in the country through outstanding science reporting and coverage.”
Ma. Lilibeth “Beth” P. Padilla of the STII Public Affairs Unit, Communication Resources and Production Division, said the Bantog event will be held on September 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City. (EKU)