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By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE BusinessMirror earned a runner-up finish in its debut in a global competition for journalists reporting on agricultural issues.

A team of BusinessMirror reporters composed of Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas, Cai U. Ordinario, Jovee Marie Dela Cruz, and Jovynelle Rodriguez, a student from the Lyceum of the Philippines University, were adjudged runners up in this year’s International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Star Prize Award for Print.

T hey bagged the citation for the multimedia explanatory story titled “Skyrocketing sugar prices stoke industry liberalization stakes” published in the paper’s Broader Look section last August 4, 2022. ( Read story here: https:// businessmirror .com.ph/2022/08/04/ skyrocketing-sugar-pricesstoke-industry-liberalization-stakes)

T he story focused on the Philippine sugar crisis last year, tackling and tracing the events, issues, and problems that led to the unprecedented record-high prices of domestic sugar in the country.

T he story also scrutinized the implications of the crisis on the domestic economy, particularly its impacts for Filipino farmers, consumers, and even small businesses like sorbetero and banana-Q vendors.

T he story was edited by Senior Editor Dennis D. Estopace with production guidance from Associate Editor Jennifer A. Ng and Editor-in-Chief Lourdes M. Fernandez.

T homas Weber’s story titled “Zurück Zum Ursprung” (“Back to the Origin”) placed first in the IFAJ tilt. The story explored a family’s struggle with the economic challenges of dairy farming, according to the IFAJ.

T he IFAJ said the award “recognizes excellence in reporting on agricultural topics around the world.” (See IFAJ press release: https://www. ifaj.org/thomas-weber-fromaustria-receives-international-federation-of-agriculturaljournalists-star-prize-forprint/44645/)

T he IFAJ disclosed that the international judging panel for this year’s Star Prize for Print award was composed of John Morriss of Canada and Markus Rediger and Ingold Jonas of Switzerland.

“ The power of print remains a driving force in journalism, and the IFAJ Star Prize celebrates the power of excellent research and great storytelling,” said Adalberto Rossi, IFAJ secretary-general, in an earlier statement released this month.

T he IFAJ is an international group of communications with more than 5,000 members across 61 countries, according to the organization’s website.