The newly appointed editor of Manila Bulletin’s Agriculture Monthly magazine has been honored with the Best Feature Story award at the prestigious 2024 Bantog Awards for Science Communication, presented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Junephrey “Junep” Ocampo, who assumed his editorial role of the country’s longest running magazine on agriculture only in January 2024, earned the top prize for his special report titled "Still Going Bananas," a comprehensive account of the Philippine banana industry’s recovery from the devastating Fusarium Wilt.
Fusarium Wilt, also known as Panama Disease, has long plagued the banana industry, particularly in Mindanao where thousands of hectares of banana plantations were decimated.
Ocampo’s five-part report detailed the science behind the industry's resurgence, breaking down the complexities of agricultural recovery in a manner that ordinary Filipinos, especially farmers, could grasp. The feature emphasized the intersection of science, economics, and sustainability.
While Ocampo was on an exclusive assignment in Delhi, India, covering the development of direct-seeded rice technology, his wife, Cel, accepted the award on his behalf.
"This award is truly special," Cel remarked. "It acknowledges Junep’s passion for making science accessible to the masses, especially the hardworking farmers who deserve to understand the innovations shaping their livelihood."
Ocampo’s recognition came amidst a competitive field of nominees, all vying for the prestigious award. His entry not only illustrated the agricultural and economic impacts of Panama disease but also showcased the resilience and innovation within the farming sector.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum praised the crucial role of the media in making science and technology more relatable to the public.
“Science and technology are essential to national development, but for it to truly benefit the country, people must be well-informed. The media serves as the bridge between science and the people,” Solidum said, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate information dissemination.
The 2024 Bantog Awards, first held in 2018, continue to recognize excellence in science communication across various media platforms. Other notable winners included Ramon Bernardo of Pang Masa and Philippine Star for Best Editorial Writer, ABS-CBN News for Outstanding Science and Technology Advocate (Institutional), and Lilian Tiburcio of GMA Integrated News for Best Investigative Story (Audio-Visual), covering plastic pollution in the Pasig River.
Celine Murillo, an independent content creator, received the award for Best Science and Technology Short Form Series (Video), while Francis Dave Orcio of Cignal TV One News won Best Science and Technology News Story. Mikael Angelo S. Francisco of FlipScience.ph and Patricia B. Mirasol of BusinessWorld were also recognized for their contributions in science communication.
The winners of the Bantog Awards took home trophies designed by Juan Said Imao, son of National Artist Abdulmari Imao, symbolizing the limitless possibilities of science and technology.
The esteemed panel of judges included UP Diliman’s College of Mass Communication Dean Dr. Fernando Dela Cruz Paragas, PAGEONE Group CEO Dr. Ron F. Jabal, and communication scholars from Ateneo de Manila University and UP Los Baños, among others.
With Ocampo’s win, the future of agricultural journalism in the Philippines continues to look promising, with a focus on bridging the gap between science and the country’s farmers through effective and engaging storytelling.