2 INQUIRER.net stories finalists in 2023 Lasallian Scholarum Awards

MANILA, Philippines — Two INQUIRER.net stories were chosen as finalists in the 2023 Lasallian Scholarum Awards.

The short documentary “Sinking Island” written by INQUIRER.net’s news anchor Neil Arwin Mercado is among the finalists under the category “Outstanding video feature story on youth and education.”

Meanwhile, content researcher and writer Kurt dela Pena’s special report titled “Zero budget for special education in 2023 makes SPED law ‘meaningless’” was selected as a finalist under the category “Outstanding online feature article on youth and education.”

The Lasallian Scholarum Awards is De La Salle University’s annual media recognition program that recognizes outstanding coverage of youth and education stories.

“Sinking Island” (titled “Living in a sinking island”), written by INQUIRER.net news anchor Neil Arwin Mercado, tells the case of Batasan Island in Bohol province, which is feared to be slowly being swallowed by the sea amid the worsening climate change.

The short documentary also looks at residents’ stories and their battle for the island they call home. It also looks at the local government’s actions in response to the rising sea waters that are threatening the island and its residents.

Other nominees under the ‘Outstanding video feature story on youth and education category are as follows:

• Balik Ilog
  Kara David and Anna Isabelle Matutina
  i-Witness
  GMA News and Public Affairs
• COVID 19: Addressing the education crisis
  Pinky Webb and Paolo Abrera
  CNN Philippines
• Estudyante na, taho vendor pa
  Noli De Castro
  KBYN: Kaagapay ng Bayan
  ABS-CBN
• Fimagas Class of 2022
  Atom Araullo
  i-Witness
  GMA News and Public Affairs
• Here Comes the Child Bride
  Atom Araullo
  i-Witness
  GMA News and Public Affairs
• Runaway Child Brides – Ang Kuwento ng mga Tumakas sa Buya ng mga Manobo
  Lilian Tiburcio and Bryan Kristoffer J. Brazil
  Stand for Truth
  GMA News and Public Affairs
• Usok sa Gubat
  Kara David
  i-Witness
  GMA News and Public Affairs

Meanwhile, “Zero budget for special education in 2023 makes SPED law “meaningless’” lays down how SPED program in public schools is needed, especially by children living with disabilities who belong to the poorest households, and how the said non-inclusion of the program in the 2023 National Expenditure Program last year could impact a law that is meant to strengthen the promotion of inclusive education.

The article presented a closer look by highlighting teachers and parents themselves who see the very significance of the said program, and the gaps and problems that have been confronted by the program for so long, including the lack of teachers and classrooms.

Other nominees under the “Outstanding online feature article on youth and education” category are as follows:

• 5 ways the Philippines can prepare its schools for health crises in 2022
  Bonz Magsambol
  Rappler
• A Filipino college student discovered two new species of beetles during the pandemic
  Rafael Bautista
  Nylon Manila
• After 2 years of distance learning, PH schools return to face-to-face classes
  Bonz Magsambol
  Rappler
• Grade 12 student in Isabela earns admissions, scholarships from 7 universities abroad
  Bernie Franco
  PEP.PH
• How This Mom Of Two Became The First-Ever Summa Cum Laude Of UP Clark
  Judy Santiago Aladin
  Smart Parenting
• IP couple provides free Wi-Fi for school children
  Rhaydz B. Barcia
  Manila Times
• Son of vendor, driver graduates at rich kids’ school in Bacolod
  Carla Gomez
  Philippine Daily Inquirer
• Street vendor and tricycle driver’s son, now a chemical engineering graduate; grateful to scholarships
  Bernie Franco
  PEP.PH
• These 4 Filipino Students Overcame Odds to Graduate from Top Universities
  Margo Hannah De Guzman Quadra
  Good News Pilipinas

The awarding ceremony will be held on March 22 at the De La Salle University in Manila.

JPV/abc