Binhi Awards set Sept 24

The Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. (PAJ) is all set for the celebration of its 28th anniversary on Sept. 24. Highlight of the evening affair will be the awarding of the 2004 Binhi Awards to outstsanding agricultural journalists.

PAJ president Roman Floresca said the celebration, to be held at the Jumbo Palace on Tomas Morato St. in Quezon City, is also in observance of "Agricultural Journalism Week" proclaimed by President Arroyo on Sept. 6, 2001.

The Binhi Awards, initiated by the PAJ in 1978, is a yearly contest among print and broadcast journalists in agriculture, environment and agrarian reform. It has nine categories: agri-journalist, agri-beat reporter, environment journalist, environment story, photojournalist, magazine, newsletter, info/media campaign and radio program.

At stake is a total of P300,000 in cash prizes plus trophies or plaques for the winners. Chairperson of this year’s Binhi Awards committee is Dr. Norma Llemit of PCARRD-DOST.

Floresca said the yearly contest is being supported by all sectors in the agricultural field. This support, he said, "can only be interpreted to mean that there is unqualified trust in our association’s capability, integrity and fairness in the conduct of the yearly awards."

Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., president of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (Philfoodex), earlier cited the PAJ "for spearheading a worthwhile undertaking."

"As you give recognition to the outstanding agricultural journalists of our country, bear in mind that no reward could be greater than the thought of having been a party to the progress that has been plowed into the lives of our farmers in the countrysides, as well as having contributed to the advancement of our economy and country."