PAJ extends Binhi Awards deadline

The Philippine Agriculture Journalists, Inc. (PAJ) moved the deadline of entries for the Binhi Awards from Aug. 8 to Aug. 15.

Print and broadcast journalists, photojournalists, newspapers, magazines, newsletter, and other institutions from both government and the private sector covering the agriculture, environment, agrarian reform, and countryside development beats are invited to participate. The PAJ-sponsored Binhi Awards is also open to all members of national and local publications.

Participants will vie for the Agricultural Journalist of the Year, Agribeat Reporter of the Year, Agricultural Magazine of the Year, Agricultural Newsletter of the Year, Agribeat Reporter of the Year, Agricultural Photojournalist of the Year, Agricultural Info/Media Campaign of the Year, and Agricultural Radio Program of the Year.

PAJ president Roman Floresca announced the requirements per entry. For the Agricultural Journalist and Agribeat Reporter of the Year categories, participants need to submit original or photocopies of at least 10 of their best stories published during the contest period from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003.

The Agricultural Magazine and Agricultural Newsletter of the Year categories require participants to submit at least 12 issues (if monthly) or four issues (if quarterly) during the said contest period.

At least 10 photos (black and white or colored) with corresponding captions published during the contest period are required for participants vying for the Agricultural Photojournalist of the Year.

The Agricultural Info/Media Campaign of the Year category calls for at least one set each of information campaign paraphernalia (includes program rationale, objectives, implementation schedule, coverage, participants, etc.), accompanying poster, flyer, brochure, radio/TV jingle, program reviews and endorsements, impact study and monitoring report (if available), and other related documents launched and implemented during the contest period.

The Agricultural Radio Program of the Year category needs at least three best programs as aired in cassette tapes during the contest period.

Chairpersons of the Binhi Awards committee, Dr. Norma Llemit of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development and Rudy Fernandez of the Philippine STAR, announced that members of the awards committee are disqualified from competing in the individual categories.

All entries should reach the PAJ care of the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (DA-AFIS), Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on or before Aug. 15. For general guidelines and other details, please call PAJ c/o DA-AFIS at 920-4080, 928-8741 loc. 134 or e-mail [email protected].