By Xander Ledesma
Campus journalists from various elementary and secondary schools across Tacloban City gathered this week at Leyte National High School for the opening of the 2025 Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC). This annual event is designed to hone the skills of young journalists and foster a deeper appreciation for the craft. The conference kicked off with a vibrant and well-attended program.
The DSPC is a pivotal event in the academic calendar for aspiring student journalists in Tacloban, providing them a platform to showcase their writing, reporting, and broadcasting skills. This year’s competition brought together hundreds of students, along with their coaches and mentors, who will compete in various categories, including editorial writing, news writing, feature writing, and radio broadcasting.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent education and government officials, including Dr. Sherlita A. Palma, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Schools Division Superintendent of Tacloban; OIC Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mark Chester Anthony S. Tamayo; and City Councilor Dr. Elvira Casal, who represented Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
Councilor Dr. Elvira Casal also expressed her support, congratulating the students for their dedication to journalistic excellence and encouraging them to use their voices for positive change in their communities.
The Division Schools Press Conference has long been a cornerstone of Tacloban’s educational and cultural calendar, dating back to the early years of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) initiative to support campus journalism. Since its inception, the DSPC has provided young writers, broadcasters, and editors with a platform to develop and showcase their talents while competing at the regional level.
The event also plays a crucial role in preparing student journalists for the challenges of the professional media world. Through the competition, participants are exposed to various journalistic tasks, from reporting on current events to creating content that is both informative and engaging. The DSPC encourages participants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and fairness—principles that are foundational to the journalism profession.
Historically, the DSPC has been a launching pad for many successful journalists who have gone on to work for national media outlets or pursue careers in other fields, thereby contributing to the country’s media landscape in various ways. The event serves as a training ground for the next generation of media professionals, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the world of journalism.
The DSPC is not just a competition; it is an educational experience that fosters a sense of community among young journalists. Through workshops, collaborative sessions, and peer interactions, students gain valuable insights into the media industry while honing their craft under the guidance of seasoned coaches and mentors.