Triumphant Comeback: RTSPC8 Wraps Up with Grand Closing Program, Awarding Ceremony
By Lorraine Superable & Joey Cadayong Jr.
The much-anticipated conclusion of the 2024 Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference in Eastern Visayas (RTSPC8) culminated in a vibrant closing program and awarding ceremony held at the Visayas State University (VSU) RDE Hall on Saturday, April 6.
After five long years, the event, which gathered the region’s most talented young journalists, writers, and communicators, showcased not only their skills but also their dedication to the noble pursuit of journalism.
The closing program and awarding ceremony commenced with an opening message from Dr. Prose Ivy Yepes, the President of Visayas State University, expressing her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the successful event.
Moreover, the President of Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges Eastern Visayas (PASUC8), Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. articulated on the significance of the event and imparted his words of encouragement to all campus journalists.
Following with the much-anticipated keynote address from the ABS-CBN Integrated News, chief of reporters, Jeff Canoy shared his passion for journalism, and inspired young journalists to become catalysts for positive change through responsible journalism.
“[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.
Setting the hall into an instant live concert, Joshua Dayandayan, a Viscan Development Communication student, together with his brother Francis Dave Dayandayan, entertained everyone with their powerful tandem shifting the venue into a dynamic concert-like experience.
The RDE hall was filled with excitement and anticipation as names were called, and winners stepped forward to receive their well-deserved accolades. Each award served as a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the recipients, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their craft.
Check out the full results for the individual and group contests (Source: AMARANTH)
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)
3rd 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)
In the end, An Lantawan, the student publication of Leyte Normal University, received the prestigious Ben Domingo Jr. Award for defending campus press freedom and has been recognized as the Campus Press of the Year for Category A: SUC-Main or flagship campuses.
Meanwhile, The Honeycomb of Abuyog Community College was awarded as the campus press of the year in category B: LUCs and SUCs-component/satellite/external campus and the Paulinian Scribe of the Saint Paul School of Professional Studies won in category C: Private Higher Education Institution.
Announced as Campus Journalist of the year was Kent Frizel M. Adal from The Hilltop Publication of College of Maasin.
“So, after receiving the most outstanding Campus Journalist Award this RTSPC. I don’t know what to feel because I’ve been out in the field for so long, because I’ve been taking Bachelor of Science in Nursing, so it’s really a challenge for me this year to receive this award again. So, for now I can say that I’m really happy and no words can express my feelings right now.” Kent Frizle M. Adal said during a post-event interview.
“Last July 2023, a student leader filed a cyber-libel charge against our former Editor-in-chief which made headlines across the nation, and last October 2023 again, our publication (An Lantawan) made headlines due to our university administration forcing us to undergo accreditation and silencing us for three months. And now, come April 6, we are now making headlines again as the Campus Press of the Year, winning the Campus Press Freedom Award by Ben Domingo; and I feel happy and ecstatic. I feel speechless, after all the struggles that we had, that we endured. It is all worth it today.” Troy Ortega, An Lantawan editor-in-chief narrated.
As the ceremony ended, participants reflected on their experiences and the friendships forged during the conference. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow, not only as journalists but also as individuals passionate about making a difference in society.
With the curtains falling on another successful Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference 2024, campus journalists of Eastern Visayas left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue pursuing their passion for journalism.
As they carry the lessons learned and memories made, they remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and fairness in their future endeavors.