THE Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards have opened nominations for its 19th year, continuing its recognition of excellence in Philippine agriculture reporting.
This year’s launch was held on May 15, 2026 through the Bright Leaf Awards Facebook
page, followed by a caravan stop in Cagayan de Oro on June 10, 2026 at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel.
In 2026, the Bright Leaf Caravan will visit key locations across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to strengthen its connection with grassroots storytellers from every region.
Dates, venues and other details will be announced soon.
The caravan serves as a venue for journalists to learn, recognize excellence in reporting and discuss key agricultural issues.
The 2026 awards carry the theme A Season of Stories, highlighting agriculture’s connection to renewal and growth.
Organizers said the theme encourages journalists to chronicle shifts, trends and developments in the sector and spotlight the communities behind Philippine agriculture.
Initiated by PMFTC Inc., the annual Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards showcase the bountiful work from agricultural journalists by shining a spotight on the best agricultural stories nationwide.
Throughout its nearly two decades, the Bright Leaf Awards have remained committed to recognizing excellence in agricultural journalism and celebrating stories that deepen our understanding of agriculture’s role in society.
The Bright Leaf Awards have recognized agriculture journalists who document the realities, innovations, challenges and successes of farmers, fisherfolk, researchers, and rural communities.
Their work highlights agriculture’s essential role in nation building.
Since its inception, the Bright Leaf caravan series has toured over 15 cities nationwide, engaging more than 1,000 agriculture joumalists and strengthening connections within the agricultural media community.
Jourmalists nationwide are encouraged to submit entries to the following categories:
• Agriculture Story of the Year
• Tobacco Story of the Year
• Best Agriculture Television Program/Segment
• Best Agriculture Radio Program/Segment
• Best Agriculture News Story- National
• Best Agriculture News Story – Regional
• Best Agriculture Feature Story – National
• Best Agriculture Feature Story- Regional
• Best Story in Tobacco Products Alternatives
• Best Online Story
There is no entry fee to join the competition.
Journalists and photographers may submit many entries for consideration.
However, an entry may not be submitted in more than one category.
Entries should be published, aired or broadcast anywhere in the Philippines between September 1, 2025 until August 31, 2026.
The deadline for entries is September 1, 2026.
Entries may be in English or any of the Philippine languages.
For entries that are not in English, participants will need to submit an English translation.
For more information about the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, contest guidelines and upcoming caravan schedules, visit www.brightleafawards.com or follow www.facebook.com/brightleafawards.
You may also contact the Bright Leaf Secretariat by sending an email to [email protected] or [email protected].
You can also call through (02) 839-4348 (landline) or text using 0961-6914058 (Smart) or 0945-4772035 (Globe).
