“Gintong Puno” (The Golden Tree) by Atom Araullo, produced by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil for GMA Network’s The Atom Araullo Specials, was named Agriculture Story of the Year for uncovering the secret and perilous world of Lapnisan, the source of prized Agarwood that has become a target of illegal logging and smuggling.
The documentary stood out among nearly 400 entries submitted for the 2025 edition of the country’s premier agricultural journalism competition.
Inspiring growth through storytelling
With the theme “Inspiring Growth,” this year’s awards recognized exceptional stories that captured both the challenges and triumphs of the Philippine agriculture sector.
Established in 2007 by PMFTC, the Bright Leaf Awards honor journalists who elevate public understanding of agriculture through impactful, responsible, and inspiring storytelling.
“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,“ said PMFTC president Gijs de Best in his opening remarks at the awarding ceremony.
“The media’s role in bringing these stories to the public – truthfully, responsibly and with depth – is indispensable,” de Best added.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, in a message delivered by National Tobacco Administration (NTA) CEO and Administrator Belinda Sanchez, commended the honorees for their vital role in shaping national consciousness.
“You do more than inform. You bring 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, agricultural journalism is more crucial than ever,” he said.
Recognizing excellence and innovation
The 2025 awards marked a significant milestone with four first-time winners and five debut entrants among those honored, reflecting the growing diversity and innovation in agricultural journalism.
Awardees received MacBook Air laptops, cash prizes, trophies, and Asian trips in recognition of their exceptional work.
Aside from “Gintong Puno,” several standout entries were recognized across print, broadcast, and digital media categories.
Best in photo and feature journalism
“Bitter Gourd Patch” by Jose Revoli Cortez of Manila Standard earned the Agriculture Photo of the Year award for its striking portrayal of the unwavering dedication of Bulacan’s ampalaya farmers to their work.
In feature writing, Junep Ocampo’s “Rice and the Machines” for Agriculture Monthly earned Best Agriculture Feature Story – National, exploring the rise of mechanization in rice farming.
Meanwhile, Marianne Abalayan’s “From Backyard to Breakthrough” for SunStar Davao won Best Agriculture Feature Story – Regional, chronicling the success of a young mulberry farmer in Davao del Sur.
Top honors in news and broadcast
For news reporting, Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas of The Philippine Star won Best Agriculture News Story – National for his in-depth coverage of the Philippine coffee industry.
Iris Hazel Mascardo of The Freeman was honored with Best Agriculture News Story – Regional for “Mushroom Farming No Easy Feat, Says Grower,” a report on the technical hurdles of mushroom cultivation in Cebu.
In the broadcasting category, “Bigas” by Welmer Estrada of 91.1 FM Jelexie Radio earned the Best Agriculture Radio Program/Segment award for its compelling coverage of the challenges confronting rice farmers.
On television, “Drones4Rice” by Kara David and her team for GMA’s Kara Docs took Best Agriculture TV Program/Segment, documenting how drone technology is transforming Filipino farms through precision agriculture.
Digital media and special categories
In the digital realm, GMA News Online earned Best Online Story for “For Better or Worse: The Plight of Filipino Farmers After Five Years of the Rice Tariffication Law,” which examined policy impacts on local rice producers.
“Fish Farmers Use Tobacco Dust to Grow ‘Lablab,’ Kill Predators in Ponds” by Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes for The Regional Examiner won Best Story in Tobacco Product Alternatives, showcasing how tobacco by-products are being repurposed to support aquaculture in Pangasinan.
The Tobacco Story of the Year was awarded to Derco Rosal of Manila Bulletin for “Wilting Laborers, Sprouting Smugglers,” an in-depth look at smuggling and its effects on tobacco farmers.
Wilfredo Lomibao of Sunday Punch received the Tobacco Photo of the Year award for “Securing Tobacco Leaves,” which documented vital techniques in Pangasinan’s tobacco harvest.
A growing community of agri journalists
PMFTC communications director Ferdi Echiverri highlighted the purpose behind the program.
“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,” he said.
“Agri stories deserve to be heard. And we hope the Bright Leaf awards is a platform where we can celebrate and uplift these.”
The program also marked the return of its nationwide caravan, which resumed in Baguio City this year after a four-year hiatus. Since its inception, the caravan has reached over 1,000 journalists in 15 cities, engaging local newsrooms and promoting agricultural awareness.
“The Bright Leaf Awards is not only about recognizing great stories; it’s about building a community of storytellers who help nurture growth in our agricultural sector,” Echiverri added.
Championing the future of agri journalism
As agriculture continues to evolve amid digitalization and climate challenges, the Bright Leaf Awards continues to recognize the storytellers documenting this transformation—giving voice to the people and communities at the heart of Philippine farming.
“Gintong Puno” stands as a testament to that mission—an investigative narrative that bridges environmental conservation and agricultural livelihood, reminding audiences that telling these stories is essential to sustaining both people and the planet. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
