Top local science stories and science communicators were brought into the spotlight as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized their contributions and craft during the 2024 Bantog Awards for Science Communication. 12 local science content creators and producers from 10 categories were honored during the awarding ceremony held on September 10, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Here is the list of winners for all categories:
● Best S&T News Story (Text): Raphael Bosano of ABS-CBN News
● Best S&T News Story (Audio): Patricia B. Mirasol of Business World Publishing Corporation
● Best S&T News Story (Audio-Visual): Francis Dave S. Orcio of Cignal TV, Inc. – One PH and One News
● Best S&T Short-form Series (Video): Celine Murillo, Independent Content Creator
● Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (Audio-Visual): Mikael Angelo S. Francisco of FlipScience.ph
● Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (Text): Ramon M. Bernardo of Pang Masa/PhilStar
● Best S&T Feature Story (Text): Junephrey M. Ocampo of Manila Bulletin Agriculture Monthly magazine
● Best S&T Investigative Story (Audio-Visual): Lilian B. Tiburcio of GMA Integrated News
● Outstanding S&T Advocate: ABS-CBN News
● Outstanding S&T Information Officers:
○ Champion: John Maico M. Hernandez of DOST-Batangas
○ 1st runner-up: Allane M. Orendez of DOST-PCIEERD
○ 2nd runner-up: Athena Colline V. Jacob of DOST-MIMAROPA
The winners in the categories of Best S&T News Story (Text), Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (Text), and Best S&T Feature Story (Text) each received Php 50,000 in cash prizes. Meanwhile, the awardees in the categories of Best S&T News Story (Audio), Best S&T News Story (Video), Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (Audio-Video), Best S&T Investigative Story (Video), and Best S&T Short-form Series (Video) each won Php 100,000 in cash prizes.
For the Outstanding Information Officers, the cash prizes are Php 30,000, Php 20,000, and Php 10,000 for the first, second, and third places, respectively. The eligibility period for the entries was from July 2023 to June 2024.
“Today is indeed a special day for those of us who believe in the power of science communication,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. “For over four decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of our media partners and local science communicators. Your dedication and passion in crafting stories and content have been instrumental in helping Filipinos understand and appreciate the profound influence of scientific advancements on their everyday lives.”
Sec. Solidum added that the trust and collaboration between scientists, engineers, researchers, and the media have fostered a culture of openness and transparency. He emphasized that this synergy has enabled storytellers to share the remarkable journeys and groundbreaking work of science experts with the public, enriching their knowledge and engagement with science.
“Our goal is to elevate public awareness and understanding of STI by spotlighting stories that captivate interest and enhance knowledge. These narratives, which highlight the advantages of DOST’s technologies, products, programs, and initiatives, are essential in making science relevant and accessible to various sectors, industries, and communities,” said Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization and DOST-STII Officer-in-Charge.
He added that the Bantog Awards serves a purpose beyond mere recognition, and that they are a testament to the department’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of science among Filipinos.
Since opening the nomination period on May 25, 2024, the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute received a total of 110 entries, which were shortlisted to 66 final nominees across the 10 categories.
The Board of Judges consists of Dr. Fernando de la Cruz Paragas, Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication; Dr. Ron F. Jabal, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGEONE Group; Christine Ingrid M. Espinosa, lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Teresa S. Congjuico, Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman; Jon Benedik A. Bunquin, Professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Garry Jay S. Montemayor, Professor at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños.
The Bantog Awards for Science Communication aim to strengthen ties with media partners and science communicators by recognizing outstanding works from media professionals, science communicators, and content creators. The awards highlight achievements in developing in-depth science news, special segments, programs, and specialized audio packages. This initiative seeks to expand public interest in science, technology, and innovation and enhance science literacy in the country.—Press release from DOST-STII/MF
