A play on the words "Balik"
and "Likas" loosely translates as Return to Nature Pusod
advocates protection of our natural resources through our award-winning
Tagalog-language weekly newspaper, Balikas.
Balikas is used by villages, fishing and farming communities,
schools, churches, women's and other organizations to promote
environmental education on topics ranging from solid waste and
watershed management, to sustainable fishing and organic farming
practices, biodiversity monitoring, health, technical training
for youth, and more.
It is also used in all of Pusod's project areas to educate,
raise awareness and chronicle people's progress in environmental
policy-making and practices.
Balikas goes beyond routine reporting by equipping our readers
with information needed to take action on issues that affect
their lives, livelihoods and environment.
History
The first issue of Balikas ran in March 1996 and was published
by the Babilonia Wilner Foundation under the name Balik Kalikasan
(return to nature).
Later dubbed Balikas by its readership, the newspaper began
coverage in Quezon Province, and quickly spread throughout the
Southern Tagalog Region, including Marinduque and Northern Mindoro.
From monthly publication Balikas went to bi-monthly in 1999
and then finally to weekly in 2002. We have never missed an
issue. Pass on readership is 8 to one copy. Balikas sells in
newstands for 7 pesos a copy (less than 1/5 of 1 U.S. cent).
Balikas goes global
In June, 2006, as Balikas celebrated its 10th year Anniversary,
Pusod Inc also launched the online version of Balikas, the Balikas
Online, this is due to the growing number of subscribers abroad
and in the Philippines. All news published in the print are
simultaneously posted on the online version.
Balikas is a member of the Philippine Press Institue (PPI).
Balikas has been awarded by the Philippines
Press Institute and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Press Awards for
"Best in Environmental Reporting" in 2001 and 2002, and as a finalist
for "Best in Photojournalism". In 2003 Balikas was chosen by the
Catholic Mass Media Awards for "Best News Coverage" and in 2004
for "Outstanding Community Newspaper."
Once again Balikas bagged another award for "Best in Environmental
and Science Reporting" of PPI's 2007 Annual Community Press Awards
that was held on May 29, 2008. Click
here for the details
