The search is on for the best Science and Technology story tellers or STellers, as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings back the Bantog Awards this September.

Recognizing the importance of media and science communication partners in increasing public knowledge and awareness on science, technology, and innovation, the DOST dubbed as Bantog Awards for Media and Science Communication, returns with new categories and exciting categories that will feature content creators in popular social media and video sharing platforms.

The award aims to foster stronger ties with media partners and science communicators by recognizing the best works of media, science communicators, and other content creators and influencers to help expand the public interest in science, technology, and innovation through the development of in-depth science news reportage, special segments, programs, specialized science literacy audio package, and feature stories aimed to increase science literacy in the country.

This year, the awards will headline the theme Driving Development through Science Communication, is a smorgasbord of news content, special news, and feature stories in short and long forms on the developmental contribution of science and technology to the lives of the people. 

All national and local media practitioners affiliated with reputable news organizations and content creators in the Philippines may join any of the categories namely:

1. Best S&T News Story (text) for published news stories in print and online;
2. Best S&T News Story (audio) for radio program segment or podcast episode;
3. Best S&T Feature Story (text)- for print and online feature story, or blog essay;
4. Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (text);
5. Best S&T Editorial/Opinion (audio/video);
6. Best S&T Investigative Story (video)- for TV public affairs program segment or, vlog episode;
7. Best S&T News Story (video) for TV news program segment or, news vlog episode;
8. Best S&T Short-form series (video), a minimum of five entries on Tiktok, YouTube shorts, Facebook reels, or Instagram reels; and
9. Outstanding S&T Advocate (Institutional Award).

Likewise, all media and information officers from the DOST attached agencies, and regional and provincial offices are eligible to join the Outstanding S&T Information Officer category.

However, those who are based outside the country, as well as news stories published and broadcast outside the Philippines, are not eligible to join.

Interested parties may send their entries through the online form that can be accessed through https://bit.ly/Bantog_CallForEntries. All science and technology stories from July 2023 to June 2024 are eligible for the contest.

This year’s winners for each category will receive cash prizes and the Infinity trophy designed by National Artist Abdulmari Imao.

Entries should have proper label including the title of the article/segment/program, authors name, media organization affiliation (if applicable), and the date of publication or release.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on 9 August 2024, 12:00 NN (PST).

You can access the link to view the complete details of the guidelines: https://bit.ly/Bantog_CallForEntries. (By Claire Bernadeth Mondares, DOST-STII)