Written By Cristina Dea Tamayo
The University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES) continues to nurture young voices through campus journalism, an effort that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Recently, UBLES journalists secured top finishes in group and individual events at the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2026, held on September 11–12 at the SPED Center and SDO Training Center in Baguio City.
The Department of Education conducts the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) nationwide across various local school divisions under Republic Act No. 7079 (Campus Journalism Act of 1991). Its goal is to train young campus journalists in ethical reporting, critical thinking, and media integrity.
Broadcasters Defend Title for 4 Consecutive Years
Leading UBLES’ results were its official school publications, Omalahokan and Gazetteer, which captured first place in Filipino and English Broadcasting, respectively, defending their title for four consecutive years.
The Omalahokan Filipino Broadcasting Team, composed of Dean Dreigh Krayon Yra Tamayo, Christienne Louise Dominique S. Lozares, Queen Sarah P. Salo, Mikennah M. Rodriguez, Aiesha A. Cawalo, Rafaela Gazelle T. Collado, and Gabryelle Alexie B. Martin, also received five special awards: Best Anchor, Best News Presenter, Best Script, Best Infomercial, and Best in Technical Application.
The Gazetteer English Broadcasting Team, composed of Jacob Feodore C. Co, Cassie Fielle D. Madayag, Carlyle Rhianne P. Diase, One Elijah C. Banal, Safida C. Calatan, Maegan Julianna A. Cinco, and Marion Antonio M. Magpatoc, earned four special awards: Best Anchor, Best News Presenter, Best Script, and Best in Technical Application.
Individual Excellence
UBLES journalists also shone in the individual events. Alessa Micael Esperanza and Yohann Sasha D. William each secured first place in Copyreading and Headline Writing and in Editorial Cartooning, respectively. Thea L. Tagle placed second in Paglikha ng Kartung Editoriyal, while Layla Isobel T. Fariñas earned third place in Feature Writing. Kairi Beryl M. Macli-ing also placed fourth in Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita.
Other UBLES student journalists who participated in the DSPC were Dreyven Manzano, Azriel Dylan Aragon, Arthemexia Apricot C. Penullar, Danilo Bryce C. De Guzman, Ian Jace C. Botis, Edward Nacar, Francine Sasha T. Mapangdol, Carlo Ivan Herreria, and Ishaq Salo.
Why the SDGs Matter in Campus Journalism
Campus journalism is more than a competition. It is a training ground for responsible, informed, and engaged citizens, and it connects directly to the global goals UBLES upholds:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Writing, editing, broadcasting, and cartooning build literacy, critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that learners carry for life.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Honest, fact-based reporting teaches learners to value truth, speak responsibly, and promote transparency and accountability, the foundations of a just and peaceful society.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Press conferences bring together schools, teachers, coaches, parents, and education offices, showing that collective effort produces greater results.
On to the Regional Schools Press Conference
The broadcasting teams and some individual event winners will represent the Baguio Division at the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), scheduled for December. Their achievements reflect UBLES’ commitment to developing learners who think critically, write responsibly, and communicate with confidence and integrity.
Together, UBLES and its community show that when young voices are guided and given a platform, they can inform, inspire, and lead. This continuing success, aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), shapes learners who are ready to contribute to a better future for all.