Filipino Student Writers Awarded in Biotech Campus Journalism Contest

Filipino student journalists from various parts of the country were recognized and awarded during the opening ceremonies of the 8^th National Biotechnology Week for topping the nationwide Biotech Campus Journalism Contest organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture – Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC), AGHAM Party-list, Philippine Science Journalists Association Inc., and ISAAA.

The Contest, divided into high school and college levels, aimed to promote and enhance the knowledge of Filipino student journalists and writers on the growing promises of biotechnology for the future of food security and agricultural sustainability in the country. It also encouraged students to research on modern crop biotech and interview Filipino scientists, biotech corn farmers, and even regulators of biotech crops. The 1^st place winner in the high school level was Joelle Mae Garcia of Pasig City Science High School, and her article discussed The Benefits and Potentials of Modern Crop Biotechnology in the Philippines. On the other hand, the 1^st place winner in the college level was Eddie D. Dulpina of Our Lady of Fatima University who wrote the article The Enormous Benefits and Potentials of Modern Crop Biotechnology in the Philippines. 

The winners and the finalists received AGHAM Congressional Medals, plaques, and cash prizes. They also joined a study tour to the offices of DZMM TeleRadyo, DZRB RadyongBayan, Business Mirror, the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH)-UPLB, and the Institute of Plant Breeding in UPLB.

For more information about the contest, and to obtain copies of the winning articles, visit http://www.bic.searca.org/ or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org.