Caraga secures historic 1st win at Nat’l Schools Press Conference
By NiΓ±a Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Caraga region has claimed its first overall championship at the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), the annual competition for campus journalists organized by the Department of Education.
This year’s event was held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on May 19-23.
The announcement was made during the awarding ceremony on May 23, marking the region’s first victory in NSPC history. Caraga outperformed 16 other regions, ending Davao region’s bid for a consecutive win after its 2024 championship. Caraga claimed the top spot in multiple categories, including first place overall in the secondary level, first place in individual contests, and third place in group competitions.
DepEd Caraga Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion praised the achievement, emphasizing the collective effort of students, teachers, coaches, parents, and local government units (LGUs).
“This achievement reflects the talent, dedication, and spirit of our Caraganon youth,” Asuncion proudly exclaimed. “This highlights the depth of creativity, skill, and passion that define our learners and educators,” she said.
Caraga’s triumphant win places it ahead of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Region XI (Davao Region), and the National Capital Region (NCR) in the overall rankings.
In an interview, Gladys A. Asis, education program supervisor and journalism focal person of DepEd Caraga shared what she believed were the ingredients for success of the Caraganon delegates in the said competition.
“For me, the keys to success are represented by four C’s, namely: competence, collaboration, cooperation, and coaching. These four will speak for everything,” excitedly relayed by Asis. “This year is the time for Caraga,” she added.
In her message posted on DepEd Caraga region’s Facebook page, she described their win through its title, “We were once a whisper. Now we are a song,” highlighting how Caraga’s championship came as a surprise to all, especially since the NSPC was known to be dominated by CALABARZON who won for nine consecutive years and was only dethroned last 2024 by Davao region.
The NSPC, held annually under Republic Act 7079, aims to promote campus journalism and enhance journalistic skills among elementary and secondary students nationwide.
This victory marks a historic milestone for Caraga, solidifying its place among the country’s top-performing regions in campus journalism. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
