TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards brought its nationwide caravan stop to Tarlac City on July 13, 2026, at Rustica Restaurant to invite local journalists to join its 19th annual competition.
Carrying the theme “A Season of Stories,” this year’s awards focus on stories of renewal, growth, and developments in Philippine agriculture, spotlighting the communities and workers behind the country’s food sector.
The caravan stop in Tarlac follows the success of last year’s edition, where Tarlac’s very own Welmer Estrada of 91.1 FM Jelexie Radio bagged the Best Agriculture Radio Program/Segment award for his report titled “Bigas”.
Initiated by Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. (PMFTC), the competition officially kicked off online on May 15, 2026, followed by regional caravan stops in Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and Tarlac. More nationwide caravan stops will be announced soon.
PMFTC Inc. Communications Manager Corinne Renes urged the media to give more spotlight to the sector, noting that while agricultural reporting may not always draw the same attention as politics or entertainment, it remains vital to the country.
“Hindi naman po ito kasing ingay ng politika, hindi po ito kasing ingay ng entertainment, ng news pero mahalaga po ang agrikultura kasi po ito ang kwento ng ating ekonomiya, ng ating communities, ng ating bansa kaya napakahalaga po talaga na ang agrikultura ay mabigyang-pansin,” Renes said.
Journalists may submit entries free of charge across 12 categories:
• Story Categories: Agriculture Story of the Year, Tobacco Story of the Year, Best Story in Tobacco Products Alternatives, Best Online Story.
• News and Feature: Best Agriculture News Story (National/Regional), Best Agriculture Feature Story (National/Regional).
• Broadcast and Photo: Best TV Program/Segment, Best Radio Program/Segment, Agriculture Photo of the Year, Tobacco Photo of the Year.
Depending on the specific category, winners stand to receive cash rewards of up to P100,000, a 13-inch MacBook Air, an Asian trip, and a trophy.
Eligible entries must be published, aired, or broadcast in the country between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Works written in local languages are also accepted, provided they include an English translation.
The deadline for submission is September 1, 2026. Interested participants can check guidelines and submit entries via the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards website. Photos by Joseph Mendoza
