Planting stories that inspire growth
A record-breaking number of nearly 400 entries embraced the theme “Inspiring Growth” for the 18th edition of the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, a dozen of which were honored at the Fairmont Hotel on Nov. 6.
Established in 2007 by PMFTC, it has continued to be the premier recognition program for excellence by journalists who elevate public understanding of the agricultural landscape through stories that inform, inspire, and empower in various media categories.
Four first-time winners and five debut entrants earned top honors, reflecting the continued expansion and diversity of agriculture journalism in the Philippines.
In his opening remarks, PMFTC president Gijs de Best stressed: “In today’s world, (the media’s) courage also means shining a light on complex issues—from sustainability and digitalization to issues like illicit trade, which threatens livelihoods and economic progress. The media’s role in bringing these stories to the public—truthfully, responsibly and with depth—is indispensable.”
A message from Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel was delivered by National Tobacco Administration CEO and Administrator Belinda Sanchez: “You do more than inform. You bring a spotlight to the unseen, amplify unheard voices, and bridge the gaps between fields, front pages and grassroots. In today’s climate uncertainty, shifting markets and evolving technologies, agriculture journalism is more crucial than ever.”
Bright Leaf had also marked the successful return of its caravan to Baguio City—its first since 2019. The caravan promotes the awards, engages local journalists, and strengthens awareness of agricultural issues. Over the years, the initiative has reached more than 1,000 journalists in 15 cities, building a community that champions the growth of agriculture journalism nationwide.
Onstage, PMFTC communications director Ferdi Echiverri weighed in: “The Bright Leaf awards celebrates outstanding journalism in the agricultural beat. In turn, it also highlights the vital role that our agricultural sector plays in shaping our nation. Agri stories deserve to be heard. And we hope the Bright Leaf awards is a platform where we can celebrate and uplift these.”
Taking the top honor as Agriculture Story of the Year was “Gintong Puno (The Golden Tree),” produced by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil for GMA Network’s The Atom Araullo Specials. The documentary exposed the secret world of Lapnisan—one of the world’s most valuable trees—and its endangered status amidst smuggling and high international demand for its precious Agarwood.
The Agriculture Photo of the Year, “Bitter Gourd Patch” by Jose Revoli Cortez of Manila Standard, documented the dedication of Bulacan’s ampalaya farmers.
In written features, Junep Ocampo’s “Rice and the Machines” for Agriculture Monthly (Best Agriculture Feature Story - National) delved into rice farming mechanization nationwide, while Marianne Abalayan’s “From Backyard to Breakthrough” for SunStar Davao (Best Agriculture Feature Story - Regional) shared the inspiring journey of a young mulberry farmer.
For news reporting, Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas of The Philippine STAR won Best Agriculture News Story (National) with his in-depth look at the country’s coffee industry, while Iris Hazel Mascardo’s “Mushroom Farming No Easy Feat, Says Grower” for The Freeman (Best Agriculture New Story - Regional) revealed the technical challenges of mushroom cultivation in Cebu.
The Best Agriculture Radio Program/Segment award was presented to “Bigas” by Welmer Estrada for 91.1 FM Jelexie Radio, which shed light on the challenges faced by rice farmers.
The Best Agriculture TV Program/Segment award went to “Drones4Rice” by Kara David and her team from GMA’s Kara Docs, which documented technological innovations that are bringing greater precision and efficiency to Filipino farms through the use of agricultural drones.
In digital media, GMA News Online was recognized for “For Better or Worse: The Plight of Filipino Farmers After Five Years of the Rice Tariffication Law” (Best Online Story), which examined the impact of policy change on local rice producers.
Highlighting agricultural ingenuity, “Fish Farmers Use Tobacco Dust to Grow ‘Lablab,’ Kill Predators in Ponds” by Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes for The Regional Examiner took Best Story in Tobacco Product Alternatives. The article covers how tobacco by-products support aquaculture in Pangasinan.
The challenges facing tobacco farmers—including smuggling, illicit cigarettes and high taxes — were chronicled in the Tobacco Story of the Year, “Wilting Laborers, Sprouting Smugglers” by Derco Rosal of Manila Bulletin, while “Securing Tobacco Leaves” by Wilfredo Lomibao of Sunday Punch won Tobacco Photo of the Year for highlighting critical techniques involved in Pangasinan’s tobacco harvest.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, this year’s winners received a host of prizes, including MacBook Air laptops, cash, trophies, and inclusion in a tour of a Southeast Asian city.
The board of judges included Corrie Narisma, Marby Villaceran, Rem Zamora, Jake Maderazo, Edwin Sallan, Albert Gamboa, Yvette Tan, Kristine Bersamina and Ralph Galan.
As chair, this writer summed up the rigorous yet rewarding process: “The stories we encountered this year were exceptionally powerful—rich with truth, compassion, and urgency. They told of farmers and fisherfolk, of science and innovation, of struggle, resilience, and hope. They reminded us that agriculture is not just an industry—it is the lifeblood of our nation. And through your work, you help it grow… But your true prize is impact. Because somewhere, a farmer will benefit from the truth you uncovered. A policymaker will rethink a decision. A student will be inspired. A community will gain hope. That is the power of your words and images.
“May you keep planting stories that enlighten, empower, and uplift. And may your work continue to inspire growth — in minds, in communities, and across our nation.”
