Student journalists from Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) achieved remarkable success at the 16th National Campus Media Conference, held from September 25 to 27, 2025, in Clark, Pampanga.
The national gathering welcomed 1,197 delegates from 104 schools across the Philippines, reaffirming its status as one of the largest and most prestigious events for campus journalists in the country. Organized by the School Paper Advisers Movement, Inc. (SPAM, Inc.), the conference took place in three key venues: the SMX Convention Center Clark for the opening program, and Eurotel Clark and National University-Clark Campus for the competitions and breakout sessions.
The opening program featured Mr. Ivan Mayrina, a respected media practitioner and advocate of youth journalism, as the guest speaker. Mayrina inspired the delegates with a powerful keynote address on the vital role of student journalists in upholding truth, integrity, and responsible media in an age of misinformation.
Representing WMSU, the Junior and Senior High School delegation, together with their moderator and faculty coach Ms. Mennalyn A. Masillam, delivered impressive performances across multiple categories. Iya Beatrice S. Ortega bagged 2nd Place in Literary Illustration (Junior High School Category), captivating the judges with her creative visual storytelling. In the writing events, Haman S. Mani secured 2nd Place in Sports Writing (Filipino Category), while Amir Nathan S. Latorre earned 7th Place in Editorial Writing (Filipino Category) both showcasing strong journalistic skills and clarity of thought.
In the group category, the team of Fiona Ann A. Maquiso, Gennalyn Apidol, and Erin Lovely R. Simbajon garnered 4th Place in the highly competitive SPAM Pambansang Pautakan Pampahayagan 2025, a national quiz bee that tested participantsโ knowledge of journalism principles, media laws, and press ethics.
This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the full support and commitment of the universityโs leaders headed by University President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, Vice President Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, Dean of the College of Teacher Education Dr. Ricardo A. Somblingo, ILS-HS Principal Dr. Riah R. Barcelona, and GPTCA President Dr. Victor Jr. A. Liozo.
Their accomplishments reflect WMSUโs enduring support for student journalism and its vital role in nurturing critical thinkers and ethical communicators. The 16th National Campus Media Conference served not only as a venue for competition but also as a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and the celebration of student voices in media.
๐พ๐ด๐บ๐ผ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! (Story by: Mennalyn A. Masillam)
