by Elijah Daniel O. Espiritu
The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) proudly honored the best in youth-driven science journalism through the Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (Season 3) awards during the Lunduyan Culminating Event at the Bellevue Hotel, Alabang on October 25, 2024.
This highly anticipated event celebrated outstanding achievements in school-based publications and exemplary reporting by high school science correspondents, highlighting the essential role of young voices in promoting scientific literacy.
Gawad Alunig, an award body dedicated to recognizing excellence in school-run publications, together with Gawad Dalumat, which seeks the finest high school science reporters in the country. Together, the Gawad Alunig x Dalumat awards represent DOST-TAPI’s commitment to fostering quality science journalism for the next generation.
The awardees included outstanding school publications that excelled in covering essential scientific topics, along with high school reporters who demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting engaging and thoroughly researched science stories. Maksim Delfin from Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School was awarded the Grand Winner for “Best KALIPUNAN Science Youth Correspondent” in Gawad Alunig, while Status Quo: The AXIS Magazine of Batangas State University, The National Engineering University Alangilan Campus, earned the title for “Best School-led Publication” in Gawad Dalumat.
The People's Choice Award Winner, Daniella Maxine Villanueva of Meycauayan National High School, expressed gratitude for the public’s trust on her skills and reportage. She expressed that this event helps students like her to inspire and be inspired by opportunities that could help them and their community.
"I'm so very thankful [for] the DOST-TAPI, for ... making this event ... that helped us — the students — na maopen po ‘yung mind nila to accept events [like this] na makakatulong din po sa iba."
— Daniella Maxine Villanueva
People’s Choice Awardee
While the Grand Winner of Gawad Alunig, Maksim Delfin attributed her win with their trust and faith in their God. She added that this achievement was a culmination of their hard work and best efforts.
“Ang motto lang po namin ay in God we trust and God will provide - We did our best.”
— Maksim Delfin
Best KALIPUNAN Science Correspondent
The Lunduyan Culminating Event also featured the previous Lunduyan Innovation Champions, end of the year highlights with institutional partners, and the latest Lunduyan Innovation Champions to recognize the outstanding players in the Philippine Science Innovation and Invention Scene. Attendees included students, educators, journalists, and science advocates, all coming together to celebrate the growing science and technology appreciation in the country.
Building on this year’s success, Gawad Alunig x Dalumat will return for its 4th season in 2025 to continue celebrating and inspiring the next generation of science communicators. Through this annual recognition, DOST-TAPI aims to continue its successful campaign of fostering a culture of science literacy.
For more information on Gawad Alunig x Dalumat and other DOST-TAPI programs, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
