After five long years, the 2024 Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC-8) went back to the Very Scenic University led by Visayas State University (VSU) and AMARANTH, the institution’s official student media organization, convening campus journalists from across Eastern Visayas last April 3 to 6 at the VSU, Baybay City, Leyte.
Bannering the theme, “The Student Press in an A.I. World,” more than 300 campus journalists from 29 different State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from all over the Region VIII gathered for a week-long showcase of journalistic talents and skills.
In an interview, AMARANTH’s Executive Editor Jerry Yubal Jr. reminisced about his time in high school press conferences and being able to reconnect with fellow campus journalists after leading the organization in hosting the RTSPC-8.
“I know that most of us in Amaranth got a lot of things going on during the conference while fulfilling our duties as the host publication. But, the whole experience gave us a lot of insights also on how RTSPC works and how we can better improve ourselves to be at par with these amazing campus publications. It was both memorable and a learning experience for all of us in Amaranth,” said Yubal.
DAY 0: Yes, they’re at Baybay!
As campus journos arrived at their designated accommodations for Day 0, they explored the vicinity of the VSU campus and visited various attractions in Baybay City. They were introduced to some Baybayanon culture and traditions and were treated with a spectacle of view high up in the Lintaon Peak.
DAY 1: RTSPC’s biggest comeback kicks off
The biggest convergence of campus journalists from Eastern Visayas featured a strong line-up of experts including the First Filipino Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa who delivered a short yet impactful message via a prerecorded video, Rappler’s Pia Ranada and Don Kevin Hapal, and ABS-CBN Integrated News’ Chief of Reporters Jeff Canoy.
Ressa emphasized the importance of journalists and journalism in her video speech.
"I've long said that how robust democracy is depends on the quality of its journalists. This is a difficult time to be a journalist, as you've seen from what's happened to journalists who've come under attack online and in the real world... (Nonetheless), this is the time of creative destruction, and what you do today will determine the future of our country. So, do the what's, and most importantly, ask the why's," said Ressa.
VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy Yepes also graced the event encouraging all campus journos to “use their skills and talents to keep their constituents informed with nothing less than the truth, and high quality data.”
Moreover, Ranada and Hapal made the first two talks in the conference focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and community building.
In the afternoon session, Ranada also ushered in the first plenary session about the Rappler communities app, an public driven news application where student journalists were encouraged to share their insights about AI and its impact to the media landscape in the country and some underreported issues in their communities.
FYT media co-founder Voltaire Tupaz and retired professor from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and University of the Philippines - Diliman (UPD) Ben Domingo Jr., capped off the sessions for the first day of the event with their talks centering on mobile journalism and community reporting.
The day culminated with a social gathering where campus journos get together to network and create bonds.
DAY 2: Harmonizing art forms of journalism
Another set of speakers took center stage the following day featuring Broadcast Journalist at Centro Escolar University’s (CEU) Ricky Rosales, Gianfranco Morciano and Aaron JP Almadro from 4Blues Productions and co-founder of Pitik Bulag Zachary Borromeo a.k.a Cartoonist ZACH, who talked about topics on radio broadcasting, filmmaking, and art in journalism.
In an interview with AMARANTH, Dadjrell Cornista, a Fact-check editor from Fulcrum shedded some light about the truths of A.I.
“Yung artificial intelligence, hindi naman talaga (ito) nakakasama, depende yun sa tao, depende yun sa’yo kung paano mo iyan gamitin,” said Cornista.
Moreover, parallel workshops commenced to verify standard aspects in media to students before the official competition begins. The parallel contests began with News Writing, Desktop Publishing, and Copyreading and Headline Writing.
To cap off Day 2, CJs gathered to watch group video entries at the VSU RDE Hall.
DAY 3: Continuous showcase of journalism excellence
As the RTSPC-8 neared its finale, parallel workshops for sports writing, opinion writing, and science writing took off on the third day of the press conference highlighting speakers such as Rappler’s Regional Reporter for Visayas John Sitchon, and Communication Program Chairperson of the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Cavite Reginald Gonzales.
Day 3 saw various student journos battle it out in different journalistic competitions namely feature writing, photojournalism, development writing, sports writing, and opinion writing.
DAY 4: Triumph through solidarity
As the RTSPC-8 came to its final day, the contenders for the Radio Broadcasting contest articulated their way in a 10-minute combat of voice presentation while those in the Science Writing and Investigative Writing contest communicated their standpoints through facts.
The final set of speakers included Al Jazeera (English)’s Correspondent Jamela Alindogan and Head of the ABS-CBN Archives and Film Restoration Leo Katigbak.
Alindogan talked about investigative writing and ways to craft an investigative research plan on tackling different issues through investigative journalism.
Katigbak further discussed the topic about “Preserving Colorful Filipino Culture Through Film Restoration” and showcased a restored Filipino classic movie "Mutya ng Pasig," a 1950's musical/melodrama.
ABS-CBN Integrated News’ Chief of Reporters Jeff Canoy served as the keynote speaker for the awarding and closing ceremony where he pointed out the role and importance of being a journalist in telling stories in the community.
"[We] don't stop being journalists. When something happens in front of you, and you want to tell the story, and you want to tell it right," Canoy emphasized.
In the end, Leyte Normal University’s (LNU) An Lantawan bagged the coveted title as Campus Press of the Year for Category A (SUCs flagship campuses and UP Constituent campuses), the Honeycomb publication of Abuyog Community College for Category B (community colleges and component campuses), and the Paulinian Scribe of Saint Paul’s School of Professional Studies for Category C (Private HEIs.)
An Lantawan also received the Ben G. Domingo Jr. Award for defending campus press freedom, while Kent Frizel Adal of The Hilltop of The College of Maasin was declared as the Journalist of the Year.
Here are the full results for the individual and group contests:
Individual Contests
Copyreading and Headline Writing - English
1st Place: Niño Anthony N. Petalbo - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Place: John Vincent Delola - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
3rd Place: Rosegene Mae L. Senario - The Courier (NwSSU)
4th Place: Sheena Mae O. De la Cruz - The College Tendrils (VSU Alangalang)
5th Place: Alrey John G. Lacaba - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
Desktop Publishing - English
1st Place: Julio T. Laberon Jr. - The Tradesman (SSU)
2nd Place: Maria Danica Louise S. Llanas - Fulcrum (PIT)
3rd Place: Kent Frizel M. Adal - The Hilltop (The College of Maasin)
4th Place: Aubrey V. Jervoso - The Honeycomb (ACC)
5th Place: Shane Francis E. Javier - The Catalyst (ESSU)
Development Writing - English
1st Place: Paul Andrei B. Boleche - Sulhog Binhi Publication (SSCT)
2nd Place: Shophia Marie R. Ranas - An Lantawan (LNU)
3rd Place: Ton Sierolf N. Cairo - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Place: Kevin Christian A. Macabutas - The Pillar (UEP)
5th Place: Florentino S. Mainit III -The Courier (NwSSU)
Editorial Cartooning - English
1st Place: Khyress Gabrielle A. Macalalad - An Lantawan (LNU)
2nd Place: Deniel Jefferson B. Garciano - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
3rd Place: Sherry Ann F. Ongbit - Sulhog Binhi Publication (SSCT)
4th Place: Lera Fritcine E. Asayas - Fulcrum (PIT)
5th Place: Shane Francis E. Javier - The Catalyst (ESSU)
Feature Writing - English
1st Place: Jemima Analou Belaro - The Artisan (VSU Isabel)
2nd Place: Meraflor O. Pecore - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
3rd Place: Fyne M. Rosario - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
4th Place: Rogie C. Beringuel - The Honeycomb (ACC)
5th Place: Kobe Spencer L. Juranes - The Light Publication (SLSU TO)
Feature Writing - Filipino
1st Place: Trisha Mae Docil - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Place: Jessie T. Gabonpa - The Tradesman (SSU)
3rd Place: Renzil Gerard G. Cabelogan - The Catalyst (ESSU)
4th Place: Marielle F. Hernali - An Lantawan (LNU)
5th Place: Irvin Niño Abanag - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
Investigative Writing - English
1st Place: Ton Sierolf N. Cairo - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Place: Niño Anthony N. Petalbo - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Place: Maria Angela Delgado - Fulcrum (PIT)
4th Place: Marjorie O. Tan - The Tradesman (SSU)
5th Place: Eunice Marsha M. Alorro - The Courier (NwSSU)
Investigative Writing - Filipino
1st Place: Carol B. Morados - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Place: Archel Jade Costan - The Pillar (UEP)
3rd Place: Aubrey V. Jervoso - The Honeycomb (ACC)
4th Place: John Vincent Delola - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
5th Place: Marielle F. Hernali - An Lantawan (LNU)
News Writing - English
1st Place: Vivienne Kyla C. Caber - The Courier (NwSSU)
2nd Place: Archel Jade Costan - Fulcrum (PIT)
3rd Place: Jasmyn Rose G. Mendoza - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
4th Place: Jonalyn G. Eman - The Honeycomb (ACC)
5th Place: Angelie Kyle G. Babon - The Tradesman (SSU)
News Writing - Filipino
1st Place: Dimnie Jethel G. Casimo - Sulhog Binhi Publication (SSCT)
2nd Place: Marcos G. Borac, Jr. - The Catalyst (ESSU)
3rd Place: Carol B. Morados - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Place: Dioven D. Cardinas - The Courier (NwSSU)
5th Place: Jerrymae B. de Guia - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
Opinion Writing - English
1st Place: Marwin Taco - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Place: Kent Frizel Adal - The Hilltop (The College of Maasin)
3rd Place: Jahzel Mae Aneslagon - Fulcrum (PIT)
4th Place: Mark Carlo Cinco - An Batingaw (EVSU Tanauan)
5th Place: Justine Humbert Ortiguesa - The Catalyst (ESSU)
Opinion Writing - Filipino
1st Place: Donna Mae Alaga - The Tradesman (SSU)
2nd Place: Gil Irinco - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
3rd Place: Rodelyn M. Petere - The Honeycomb (ACC)
4th Place: Jayrald Mejia - An Lantawan (LNU)
5th Place: Meraflor Pecore - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
Photojournalism - English
1st Place: Jaycel Suco - Sidlak (SNC Ormoc)
2nd Place: John Michael T. Miranda - The College Tendrils (VSU Alangalang)
3rd Place: Keannu Z. Ruiz - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Place: Amerol Khair C. Sandawa - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
5th Place: Luz P. Ditalo - Golden Grain Publication (ESSU Can-avid)
Science Writing - English
1st Place: Janrose C. Mejico - An Lantawan (LNU)
2nd Place: Kent Frizel M. Adal - The Hilltop (College of Maasin)
3rd Place: Rustle King A. Embodo - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Place: Mary Joy Sayman - Fulcrum (PIT)
5th Place: John Nathaniel S. Macase - Leyte Times (Leyte Colleges)
Sports Writing - English
1st Place: Sofia Christel E. Javier - The Catalyst (ESSU)
2nd Place: Patrick Joseph Dincol - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
3rd Place: Marjorie O. Tan - The Tradesman(SSU)
4th Place: Greg Antonnie M. Poldo - The Pillar (UEP)
5th Place: Kirby D. Lagare - An Lantawan (LNU)
Sports Writing - Filipino
1st Place: Joselito Estela Gelilang Jr. - The Tradesman (SSU)
2nd Place: Lyzhamyl D. Requioma - An Lantawan (LNU)
3rd Place: Agustino C. Rico Jr. - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Place: Freya E. Aparis - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
Group Awards
Best Creative Folio
Champion - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
1st Runner-up - An Lantawan (LNU)
2nd Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
3rd Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
4th Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
Best Magazine
Champion - The Pillar (UEP)
1st Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
2nd Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
3rd Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
4th Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
Best Newsletter
Champion - An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
2nd Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
3rd Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
4th Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
Best Special Publication
Champion - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
1st Runner-up - An Lantawan (LNU)
2nd Runner-up - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
3rd Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
4th Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
Best Tabloid
Champion - An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Runner-up - Sulhog Binhi Publication (SSCT)
3rd Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
4th Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
Online
Best Website
Champion - The Courier (NwSSU)
1st Runner-up - The Tradesman (SSU)
2nd Runner-up - An Lantawan (LNU)
3rd Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
4th Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
Best Social Networking Site
Champion - An Lantawan ( LNU)
1st Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
3rd Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
4th Runner-up - The Catalyst (ESSU)
Video
Best Documentary
Champion - An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
2nd Runner-up - The Honeycomb (ACC)
3rd Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Runner-up - The Catalyst (ESSU)
Best Promotional Video
Champion -An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
3rd Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
4th Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
Best Short Film
Champion - An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Runner-up - Paulinian Scribe (SPSPS)
3rd Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
4th Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
Best Social Video
Champion - The Courier (NwSSU)
1st Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
2nd Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
3rd Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Runner-up - The Honeycomb (ACC)
Best Vlog
Champion - The Courier (NwSSU)
1st Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
2nd Runner-up - The Pillar (UEP)
3rd Runner-up - An Lantawan (LNU)
4th Runner-up -The Tradesman (SSU)
Radio Broadcasting
Best in Radio News Bulletin
Champion - An Lantawan (LNU)
1st Runner-up - Fulcrum (PIT)
2nd Runner-up - The Courier (NwSSU)
3rd Runner-up - The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
4th Runner-up - The Pillar Publication (BiPSU)
Best News Script - The Courier (NwSSU)
Best Infomercial - The Honeycomb (ACC)
Best News Presenter/Reporter
Michael John E. Lavendia - The Courier (NwSSU)
Agustino C. Rico Jr.- The Industrial Wheel (EVSU)
Best Anchor
Christian Dave C. Noseñas - An Lantawan (LNU)
Marylou S. Ortillo - The Courier (NwSSU)
Crystal Pales - Fulcrum (PIT)
As per tradition, AMARANTH, who served as the host student media organization for this year’s RTSPC, did not compete in any event.