Binhi Awards deadline set

MANILA, Philippines - Participants in the 2007-2009 Binhi Awards contest, sponsored annually by the Philippine Agriculture Journalists (PAJ) have until June 30, 2009 to submit their entries.

Sanny Galvez, PAJ president, said the contest, which has a total prize of P300,000, is open to anyone who has written and published articles on agriculture.

“We are giving these awards annually since 1976 to recognize the valuable role and contribution of journalists in the development of Philippine agriculture. It is, we would say, considered the most sought-after awards by agricultural journalists who, in not only projecting Philippine agriculture, garner the prestige that goes with it,” Galvez said.

This year’s Binhi Awards committee, headed by Dr. Matilde Maunahan, PAJ vice president for external affairs, is now accepting entries in eight major categories – Agricultural Journalist, Environment Writer, Agri-Magazine, Agri-Newsletter, Agri Info/Media Campaign and Agri-Radio Program.

The winners of this year’s contest will receive their prizes during the PAJ’s 33rd anniversary on Sept. 11, 2009. PAJ will also confer “Hall of Fame” status to previous awardees who have won thrice in the same category.

Johnny Goloyugo of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) who is assisting Dr. Matilde in the committee, said the contest coverage will be from July 1, 2007 to April 30, 2009, which means that all entries were published, launched or aired during the 22-month period.

Contestants are requested to submit their respective entries on or before June 30, 2009 to the Binhi Awards Committee through the Department of Agriculture Information Service, c/o Noel Reyes, PAJ vice president, Ground Floor, DA Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.