DOSTv bags the 17th Gandingan major award for the third time

For the third time since 2020, DOSTv: Science for the People, the official broadcast channel of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been hailed as Gandingan’s Most Development-Oriented Radio/TV Station/Online platform, claiming the high ground during the 17th Gandingan Awards held last Saturday, 13 May 2023.

“Unknown to you, DOST was the government’s best kept secret. In 2017, we ran a survey by SWS, and for the first time, we knew that the national awareness about science, technology and innovation was at 6%. Nakakaiyak po ‘yun because we do a lot of things. But we’re determined to really improve it… By the end of 2022, under the leadership of Sec. Solidum, that number’s gone up to 47%, more than 600% increase,” DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) Director Richard P. Burgos emphasized while receiving the award.

The ceremony, held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), was organized by UP Community Broadcasters’ Society (ComBroadSoc) with the theme “Kabuhayan, Buhay ng Bayan.”

DOSTv’s newest host and DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum Jr. was also recognized with the Gandingan ng Agham at Teknolohiya special citation for leading DOSTv programs.

DOSTv’s magazine program Siyensikat: Pinoy Popular Science Para sa Lahat also bagged the Most Development-Oriented Feature Story for its Chocolate in Bohol episode which featured the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through scientific and technological interventions.

“Ang tsokolate po sa Bohol ay masarap. World-class. Pero hindi natin alam ‘yun. So sa parangal na ito, gusto nating ipaabot sa ating mga mamamayan na mayroon tayong produkto na world-class, gawa ng Pinoy para sa mundo,” Director Burgos said.

Meanwhile, DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) was also UP ComBroadSoc’s Choice for Gandingan ng Kabuhayan major award, taking home two Most Development-Oriented Program awards.

Their science and technology (S&T) program on biodiversity and YouTube series called Saribuhay won under the Science and Technology category, while Lakbay Galing, also their YouTube series which featured accomplishments of DOST-PCAARRD’s Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives toward National Goals (Galing) Program, won under the Women’s program category.

Gandingan awards are conferred to TV, radio, and online networks who produce and air developmental stories which promote the livelihood and growth of Filipino communities.

“We need partners from industry, the socio-civic societies and students like you to help us in the common task of communicating science for the people. So, if you believe that the voice of science and technology can add value to your shows, get in touch with DOSTv,” Director Burgos added. (Lourdes Nadonga, DOSTv, DOST-STII)