Science journalism is comparatively a recent development in the    Philippines.  In Europe and many developed countries, science journalism began during the Enlightenment period in the 18th century.  Even after World War II, science and technology stories rarely saw print in Philippine national dailies.  Early records of support for S&T information among broadcast networks are also practically non-existent.  The closest to what amount as S&T news were mostly health-related.

In 1993, Virginia Novenario went to study the evolution of S&T reporting in the country.  Basically, the study points to Manila Times' Alberto Rous' medical forensic angles on his police reports in the 1950s.  For his pioneering efforts, Rous is acknowledged informally as the Father of Philippine Science Journalism.  

The Press Foundation for Asia, and the Philippine Press Institute also made important initiatives in the development of Philippine science journalism. PFA established Depthnews in 1968 and created its science service in 1976.  Paul Icamina became the wire service' science editor.  Depthnews had subscribers from Asia and United Nations agencies.

Other early efforts to develop science journalism in the country point to the old Science Foundation of the Philippines, which included campus science journalism as a component of the popular annual Youth Science Camp Project.   The first campus science journalism activity was conducted March 1971 in Mambucal, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

On January 8-10, 1973, the First National Science Journalism Workshop-Seminar was held at the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City.  The three-day activity focused on the theme "Science Writing: A New Philippine Frontier", and was participated by 37 professional journalists, science club advisers and campus writers.  It aimed, among others, to popularize science through mass media and identify ways to bridge the communication gap between the scientists and the public.

In 1985, the now defunct Science Promotion Institute hosted a seminar-workshop on  "S&T Popularization through the Mass Media" with 35 participating professional journalists from Asia-Pacific countries.  The five-day activity  sponsored by the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre and  UNESCO,  had practically the same objectives as  the earlier national activity.

The academe also has its share in developing potential science writers.   As early as 1959, the University of the Philippines at Los Baños introduced science journalism subject in its development communication program.  Other universities such as UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the Asian Institute of Journalism followed suit offering subjects like science  writing,  scientific English or science journalism  in their  communication programs.

DOST supports S&T Reporting

Former DOST Secretary Ceferino L. Follosco has said "The purpose of science journalism . . . is not solely to promote science but to reach an edgy citizenry aware of the social, political and economic implications of scientific activities... the limits as well as the power of science as applied to human affairs... The media that want to write for science should know the needs of the people.  They need to play up the utilitarian aspects of S&T by exploring potential resources. . . which could make the people interested about and which could alleviate poverty.  If S&T consciousness could reach the grassroots,  the process of development could be achieved."

There is an urgent need to communicate science and technology to the public.  This realization prompted the Department of Science and Technology to formulate strategies and implement activities to enhance the development and growth of science journalism.  These initiatives include S&T popularization and science writing seminar-workshops in the different regions, familiarization activities through actual project visits, and participation to local and international science conferences.   DOST also holds regular press briefings to promote interaction and information exchange between scientists and science journalists. DOST has also set up and maintains the S&T Media Service On-line as a quick and regular source of S&T news and developments.   A regular workforce is also on hand to attend to the information needs of the media.

Science Journalism Awards

Excellence and professionalization are the ultimate goals of giving science journalism awards.

The Annual DOST Media Awards that started in 1988 aims to encourage and develop interest in S&T promotion and information dissemination among journalists.  Media entries and nominees are grouped into institutional and professional categories.  One outstanding performer each from radio, television, print and recently cyber press is awarded with cash prizes and citations.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Press Institute, and Philippine Geothermal Inc. instituted the Science and Technology Journalism Award in 1991.  It aims to promote awareness of science and technology as a key component for economic progress and to highlight media's role in disseminating scientific and technological development, innovations, and breakthroughs.  PPI-PGI recognizes five print science journalists annually.

The Rotary Club of Manila also recently recognized the importance of S&T reporting as it included this year a new category - Gawad Agham - in its Journalism Awards which started in 1966.   In June this year, RCM awarded three Filipino science journalists who made outstanding contributions to the field.   The RCM in a statement said "The Journalism Award serves to inspire journalists to continuously improve the quality of their craft and encourage them to uplift the standards of journalism in the country."

The Phil. Science Journalists Association (PSciJourn, Inc.)

The idea of organizing Filipino science journalists dates to the early 90s.  The idea became a reality only in mid-2001 when the Philippine Science Journalists Association was formally organized with 35 charter members and 11 elected members to the Board of Directors.  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administered the Board's oath of office on October 26, 2001 at Malacañang's Ceremonial Hall.

PSciJourn is a non-stock, non-profit association of media practitioners, S&T communicators and advocates committed to create a science consciousness and culture among Filipinos.  PSciJourn provides a dedicated network of people who  realize the socio-economic transforming power of  S&T.   Specifically, it aims to 1) support government's effort in developing a science-oriented citizenry; 2) promote wider public awareness, understanding and appreciation of S&T; 3)  serve as catalyst of change by advocating S&T policies and issues affecting the country and people;  and  4)  create a pool of science journalists and work out possible training and scholarships for  S&T journalists.                  

The First PSciJourn Congress was held 10-12 April 2002 at MonteVista Hot Springs and Conference Resort, Pansol, Calamba, Laguna.  The three-day activity built around the theme "Linking S&T to the Grassroots", attracted over a hundred media practitioners, communicators, and public information officers  from Metro Manila and  Luzon provinces.

PsciJourn's long-term vision is to lead and be a trailblazer in Philippine science journalism's drive to a wide support base of an informed citizenry and contribute to the development mission of the country through the productive energy of science and technology.