Binhi Awards deadline extended

The deadline for submission of entries to the 2006-2007 Binhi Awards, sponsored by the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. (PAJ), has been extended to Oct. 19, as the previous deadline of Oct. 12 was declared a non-working national holiday in celebration of the Muslim feast of the end of Ramadan or Eid’l Fitr.

The one-week extension is needed to give contestants additional time to submit their respective entries, PAJ president Sanny Galvez said.

Binhi Awards is a yearly project of the PAJ since 1978 in cooperation with institutional supporters to recognize efforts of print and broadcast journalists, who continue to churn out comprehensive and quality reportage of the country’s agriculture, fishery, environment, agrarian reform, food and agribusiness sectors.

The 2006-2007 Binhi Awards features nine categories: agricultural journalist, agribeat reporter, environment journalist, environment story, photojournalist, agricultural magazine, newsletter, information/media campaign, and radio program. This year’s Binhi Awards committee is chaired by PAJ vice president for internal affairs Noel Reyes of the Department of Agriculture-Office of the Secretary.

This year’s contest offers cash prizes and trophies, totaling P300,000. Winners will be announced in fitting ceremonies on Dec. 14 at a venue to be announced later.

Contestants are required to submit their respective entries published, aired or launched during the contest period, from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. The requirements for each category are:

Agricultural Journalist, Agribeat Reporter, Environment Journalist – original clippings or photocopies of at least 10 published articles;

Environment Story – 1 published full-length article, feature or special report;

Photo Journalist – at least 10 published B/W or colored photos with captions;

Agri Magazine and Newsletter – five sets of 12 issues (if monthly) or four issues (if quarterly);

Info/Media Campaign – five sets of info/media campaign paraphernalia (program brief, posters, flyer, brochure, radio/TV ad, and preferably campaign results review); and Radio Program – five cassette tapes or audio CDs of at least five best episodes, with corresponding scripts.

Entries should be submitted to: PAJ Binhi Awards committee c/o Department of Agriculture-AFIS, Elliptical Rd., Diliman, QC. Each entry should have a nomination letter signed by the editor, head of agency or institution. No entry fees are required. However, non-PAJ members are enjoined to enlist and pay P200 for membership and 2007 annual fee.