In recognition of the bold, inspiring, and outstanding stories on the country’s youth and education by professional and student media, De La Salle University mounted the 21st Lasallian Scholarum Awards last March 17 on the Manila campus. 

This year’s edition carried the theme, “EmpowerED”, to highlight the impact of stories across various media platforms, as well as the need to put the spotlight on the youth and education sectors to help empower them.

DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca FSC in his welcome remarks acknowledged the role of the media in helping shape the nation and underscored the shared mission of the University and its partners in the development of the country’s youth and education. 

This year, the LSA presented a new sculpture for the winners in the professional categories. Titled The Verdant Visionary, the artwork was designed and created by visual artist Jomike Tejido. The LSA bas-relief sculpture represents elements encapsulating the essence and meaning of receiving this award – for nation-building.  

Below is the list of this year’s LSA awardees:

Outstanding feature story on De La Salle University

This project by DLSU students hopes to turn food waste in cafeterias to biogas for cooking

Josiah Eleazar Antonio

ABS-CBN News

Outstanding published feature article on youth and education in a nationally circulated publication

Is homeschooling for you and your child?

Jocelyn Valle

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Outstanding video feature story on youth and education

Pamilya Tubig

Maki Pulido and Jun Veneracion

Reporter’s Notebook

GMA Public Affairs

Outstanding online feature article on youth and education

Life story of Wenna Joy Culibra: From kasambahay to cum laude

Bernie V. Franco

PEP.PH

Outstanding youth and education feature film

Song of the Fireflies

Culturtain Musicat Productions

Outstanding published feature article on youth and education in a school organ

Why Denying Sex Education Is Pushing Girls Into Motherhood Too Soon

Giullana David

Philippine Collegian

University of the Philippines

In partnership with the DLSU Student Media Office, LSA also bestowed the Outstanding Media Personality Award on seasoned investigative reporter Lian Buan of Rappler. She was voted by Lasallian student media for advancing human rights, achieving justice, and exposing government corruption for over a decade.

Part of the program was a keynote speech from public interest lawyer and human rights advocate, Atty. Dino de Leon, where he enumerated similarities between being a lawyer and being a journalist. He called upon the urgency in these trying times saying, “We are not yet done. Lawyers and journalists are ever needed as there is a growing problem of injustice and disinformation. and we are natural allies in this fight.”

Members of the Board of Judges were award-winning screenwriter, director, and DLSU University Fellow Dr. Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.; Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino Chair and DLSU Department of Literature faculty member Dr. Anne Frances Sangil; Academe Foundation Executive Director Sachie Reyes; National Youth Commission Commissioner-at-Large ASec. Michelle Mae Gonzales; journalist and educator Christian Esguerra; and representing the student body, DLSU University Student Government President Lara Capps.

The Lasallian Scholarum Awards contracted an independent media-monitoring agency for the screening of youth and education stories. For the film category, LSA announced a call for entries in November last year.