by Karl Vincent S. Mendez
Local stories of science and technology from across the country were the champions of the very first Gawad ALUNIG x DALUMAT organized by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) on 13 May 2022 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City.
In line with the Department’s campaign to bring science to the people, DOST-TAPI through the Applied Communications Unit for Inventors (ACU-i) welcomed entries from various school publications and local correspondents nationwide.
Finalists of the Gawad ALUNIG
Participants who signified their interest totaled 54 entries for Gawad ALUNIG and 39 entries for Gawad DALUMAT.
In an interview, Marvin Eric O. Dela Cruz, Senior Science Research Specialist of ACU-i, emphasized the significance of science journalism in nation building.
“[Science journalism] provides an opportunity to empower and equip people with relevant information that could usher true and meaningful changes,” Dela Cruz said.
Gawad DALUMAT
Winning the first Gawad Dalumat for the best student-based school-led publication was “The Estoile” of the Saint Edward School from General Trias, Cavite.
“The Estoile” of the Saint Edward School won the Gawad DALUMAT
Paul Jeffrey Peñaflor, The Estoile’s advisor, received the award for the school paper.
In his speech, Peñaflor expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“Now that we are facing massive problems of misinformation and disinformation, it is indeed our goal [at] the campus level to promote campus journalism [and] the truth. And, we have to lead the youth for a better future,” said Peñaflor.
The Estoile was up against fellow school publications “The Electron” of the Quezon City Science High School, “The Central Echo” of the Central Philippines University, and “Visions and Missions” of the Holy Child Catholic School.
Meanwhile, The Central Echo and the Electron gathered awards for their best science story articles.
Defined as “deep mental thought” or malalim na pag-iisip, Gawad DALUMAT aims to recognize school publications that showcase excellent and effective science storytelling.
Gawad ALUNIG
Subsequently, Justine Atasha Asis of Camarines Norte was the recipient of the Gawad ALUNIG as the Best KALIPUNAN Science Citizen Correspondent.
A student journalist from Jose Panganiban National High School, Asis won the award with her story “Sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Kalikasan ang Bida.”
Justine Atasja Asis of Jose Panganiban National High School, Camarines Norte won the Gawad ALUNIG
The story tackles mangroves and sea restoration efforts at Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte using innovations in reef recovery.
“As a science enthusiast, I am very [happy] to see my fellow youth empower science stories through citizen journalism,” Asis said in her speech.
She further urged her fellow youth to continue pursuing their curiosity in the name of science.
Gawad ALUNIG or resonance sought entries displaying the highest standards of ethics and quality of science journalism.
Gawad ALUNIG x DALUMAT was part of the Launching of the DOST-TAPI Roadmap and Stakeholders’ Conference.
For the full list of winners please refer to the list below:
Gawad ALUNIG
- Winner - Justine Atasha Asis
- First Runner Up - Sofia Raroque
- Second Runner Up - James Gabriel "Champ" Regondola
- Third Runner Up - Mae Dil Palad
- Fourth Runner Up - Sofia Calibo
- Fifth Runner Up - Mariz Ashley Salavante
- People’s Choice Award - Erin Perez
Gawad DALUMAT
- Best School-Based/Student-Led - The Estoile
- First Runner Up - The Electron
- Second Runner Up - Visions and Voices
- Best Science Stories:
- The Central Echo Magazine: “Angkol and the River Set in Motion”
- The Central Echo Tabloid: “A Literal Buzzkill: Why Bees are Dying Out and What’s in It for Us”
- The Electron: “Diana Ranoa’s COVID-19 Saliva Testing: A Scientian Scientist’s Taste of Success”
For more information, please contact 8837 2071 local 2151 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
