Davao Editor's Faith and Dedication Culminate in National Agriculture Journalism Award
In a moment of profound personal and professional achievement, Marianne L. Saberon Abalayan, an editor for SunStar Davao, was honored with the Best Agricultural Feature Story – Regional award at the prestigious 18th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, recognizing her compelling narrative, "From Backyard to Breakthrough: How an 18-Year-Old Built a Thriving Mulberry Business."
A Dream Realized Through Faith and Perseverance
Standing as the lone winner from Mindanao, Abalayan described the experience as a dream fulfilled. In an emotional acceptance speech, she revealed that her victory was a testament to her faith. "Standing here tonight, receiving my very first Bright Leaf Award, feels like a dream God has graciously brought to life," she shared with the audience.
She recounted a personal moment from August 2025, when she wrote "Win Bright Leaf 2025" in her prayer journal after submitting only two entries. "I held onto that hope quietly," Abalayan said. "So when I got the call that I was one of this year’s awardees, I literally shook and cried tears of joy." Her story highlights the power of quiet determination and belief.
Dedications to Family and Community
The award-winning journalist dedicated this significant accolade to her late mother, Aleli Saberon, whom she credited for nurturing her passion for reading and writing. "She planted the seeds that led me here today," Abalayan stated fondly.
She also expressed deep gratitude to her husband, Alvin, for his "steady love and patience," and to her sons, Sean and Shem, whom she called her constant inspiration. Her extended thank-yous included her siblings, in-laws, close friends, her church community at ICOC Davao, and her colleagues at SunStar Davao, whom she described as her "best friends and prayer warriors."
Celebrating Stories of Resilience in Philippine Agriculture
Abalayan took a moment to thank the Bright Leaf organizers for creating a platform that champions the agriculture sector. She emphasized the importance of telling stories that showcase "quiet resilience, innovation, and hope" within Philippine agriculture.
The Bright Leaf Awards, founded in 2007 by PMFTC Inc., are a cornerstone for recognizing excellence in agricultural journalism. This year's theme, "Inspiring Growth," resonated strongly, attracting a record-breaking nearly 400 entries, the highest number since the awards' inception.
In his opening remarks, PMFTC President Gijs de Best highlighted the courage required to report on complex issues like sustainability and illicit trade. Meanwhile, a message from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, delivered by NTA Administrator Belinda Sanchez, praised journalists for amplifying unheard voices and bridging the gap between farms and the public.
This win marks a return to the Bright Leaf winner's circle for SunStar Davao, following a previous victory in the same regional feature category by former editor-in-chief Reuel John F. Lumawag in 2022.
Honoring the Best in Agri-Journalism
The 18th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards celebrated a diverse range of impactful stories. The Agriculture Story of the Year honor went to Atom Araullo for "Gintong Puno (The Golden Tree)," while Jose Revoli Cortez won Agriculture Photo of the Year for "Bitter Gourd Patch." Winners were awarded with MacBook Air laptops, cash prizes, trophies, and Asian trips, underscoring the high value placed on their contributions to the field.
