The Baguio Midland Courier was cited for its reportage on Climate Change and biodiversity, culture and the arts, and business and economics during the 2012 Civic Journalism and Community Press Awards and 17th National Press Forum (NPF) of the Philippine Press Institute in partnership with The Coca Cola Export Corporation.

Midland Courier got the most number of awards in the weekly newspaper category, besting the other nominees from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In citing Midland Courier as the best in Climate Change and biodiversity reporting, the board of judges took note of the publication’s consistency in covering and reporting stories on Climate Change and its relationship with biodiversity.

“Issue after issue, this newspaper has exerted conscious efforts in featuring the many facets of Climate Change through well-written and well-researched pieces. The newspaper does not rely on international news to fill its environment section. It invests in its own journalistic pieces that are original and truly community-oriented. It also features the efforts of various stakeholders such as women, youth, the church, and many other voices, to help mitigate the impacts of Climate Change. Moreover, it features best practices on biodiversity and Climate Change from which readers can learn,” the citation reads.

This is the first year the “Best in Climate Change and Biodiversity Reporting” was included in the PPI award category, with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity presenting the accolade. Midland Courier bested Metro Post (Visayas) and The Mindanao Cross in the award category for weekly newspapers.

In naming Midland Courier the best in culture and arts reporting, the judges said: “Baguio Midland Courier covers more about the cultural practices and indigenous activities in the Cordillera region including the preservation of heritage like the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Panagbenga Festival was well featured in their February issue. All the national events during the year were well covered with colorful pictures.”

The award category was presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. Midland Courier won over Metro Post and Mindanao Cross in this category. It is also the second year in a row that Midland Courier won as the best in culture and arts reporting, which was launched in 2011.

The Midland Courier also convinced the judges in its coverage of business and economic issues.

“What’s impressive about the Baguio Midland Courier is its regional-centric and development thrust in its reporting, particularly in the area of business and economics. Its emphasis on agriculture-based commerce identifies well with its readers and gives them a community-centric editorial feel with comprehensible and easy-to-digest updates and features,” the citation reads.

Midland Courier was also nominated in the “Best Editorial Page” award category. Bohol Chronicle (Visayas) got the citation.

The 17th NPF and 2012 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards was held on June 13 and 14 at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

The board of judges was chaired by Manila Standard Today news editor Joel Palacios. The members were Transparency and Accountability Network Executive Director Vincent Lazatin, Information Capital Technology Ventures, Inc. Chief Executive Office Mel Velarde, Science and Development Network South-East Asia and the Pacific Coordinator Joel Adriano, University of the Philippines-Diliman Department of Journalism Asst. Professor Danilo Arao, ASEAN Biodiversity Head Writer and Researcher Leslie Ann Castillo, and NCCA Committee on Communication Head Cecilia Dy.