Santa Rita Welcomes the Division English Schools Press Conference 2026
The Division English Schools Press Conference (DESPC) officially commenced its 2026 edition on February 4–5, with the municipality of Santa Rita serving as the vibrant host venue. This prestigious event, often hailed as the Olympics of school journalism, brought together elementary campus journalists from across the entire division for two days of intense competition and professional development.
Officials Emphasize Journalism's Educational Value
The opening ceremony was graced by key figures including Schools Division Superintendent Romeo Alip and Santa Rita Mayor Renan Calo, both representing the Department of Education. In their addresses, the officials passionately highlighted the crucial role of campus journalism in nurturing essential skills among young students. They underscored how participation in such events fosters critical thinking, enhances communication abilities, and promotes responsible media practices, laying a foundation for future civic engagement and professional excellence.
Diverse Competition Categories Showcase Talent
Participants engaged in a wide array of individual and group contests designed to test their journalistic prowess. The individual categories featured:
- News Writing
- Editorial Writing
- Feature Writing
- Sports Writing
- Science and Technology Writing
- Copy Reading and Headline Writing
- Photojournalism
- Editorial Cartooning
- Column Writing
Group events added a collaborative dimension, including:
- Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting
- TV Scriptwriting and Broadcasting
- Collaborative Desktop Publishing
- Online Publishing
Training Ground for Higher-Level Competitions
Beyond the competitive aspect, the DESPC functioned as a comprehensive training platform to hone journalistic excellence. The conference aimed to identify top qualifiers who will advance to represent their schools in elevated press conferences. Specifically, outstanding performers are set to proceed to the Regional Press Conference, scheduled to be held in Baler, Aurora. This two-day gathering not only celebrated current achievements but also prepared young journalists for future challenges in the media landscape.
