By: Xyrel James Canonoy
Copyedited by: Mekylla Villapaña
Photos by: Jed Palonpon
ICYMI: Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School opened its gates to the week-long 42nd Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) last January 19-20, with the theme, “The Role of Campus Journalism in Fostering DepEd Matatag: Addressing Literacy, Chartering a New Path.”
The said conference, in accordance with the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, seeks to showcase the significance of journalism through various approaches, sustain social consciousness through advocacies, encourage responsible journalism and ethical social media use, and improve journalistic competence through friendly competitions.
January 19: Day One
The first day showcased the preliminary events of field competitions in Collaborative Desktop Publishing, Online Publishing, Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting, Photojournalism, and Sports Writing —These competitions demanded strategic coverage spaces, that is why the day opened with a doubleheader punch —an organized press conference and exhilarating live sports action.
Broadcasting events were aired live on the given “DSPC News Express” program name, at 850 kilohertz.
January 20: Day Two
The second day launches with the official opening ceremony. Messages of inspiration were shared by Dr. Arturo Tolentino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, CESO VI, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent, Hon. Joey C. Isidro Jr, Councilor, District II, and Chairman for Education Affairs, Hon. Tony G. Calixto, Congressman of the Lone District of Pasay City, and City Mayor Hon. Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
Remmy Parcia, from Grade 10 – Pascal, performed an intermission number. Following this, another highlight was Ang Liwanag’s (Official Filipino Publication of PCNSciHS) School Paper Adviser, Mrs. Myra R. Jaime, who spoke as the President of the Pasay City Secondary School Paper Advisers Association.
Mr. Tyrone Jasper C. Piad, a Business Reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, served as the keynote speaker. He emphasized the significance of youth and journalism in nation-building, stating, “Bata tayo, at marami tayong kayang gawin.” (We are children, and we can accomplish many things).
The orientation for contests was led by Dr. Imelda V. Boquiren, Education Program Supervisor- English, and Rowela R. Cadayona, Education Program Supervisor- Filipino.
The focus of the second day was on off-site activities in the News Writing, Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Cartooning, Column Writing, Science and Technology Writing, and Copyreading and Headline Writing categories.
“I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true” — Rica Angela A. Calubaquib, The Quantum’s Editor-in-Chief, Pasay City National Science High School’s Official English Publication, led the oath of the Journalist’s Creed.
The competitions commenced in their respective rooms.
The week-long competition will mark its culmination with an awarding ceremony tomorrow, January 26. Will PaScians emerge victorious? Stay tuned for more updates.
