Team San Juan Competes in the 2023 NSPC

Accompanied by his coach, Marivic T. De Ocampo, Eraño Angelo T. Offemaria of Salapan Elementary School represented the National Capital Region in the Science and Technology Writing category with Samantha Gabrielle Oga and Martina Venice P. Doroteo (Column Writing), their coaches, Mrs. Maria Corazon G. Ocampo and Ms. Fran Cathleen P. Castillo of San Juan Science High School in the National Schools Press Conference held on July 17 – 20, 2023 at Cagayan de Oro City.

With the NSPC qualifiers were the Division Schools Superintendent Dr. Margarito B. Materum, Assistant Division Schools Superintendent Dr. Buenafe E. Sabado, Education Program Supervisor in English, Mrs. Marnelli B. Tolentino, Education Program Supervisor in Filipino, Mrs. Eulafel C. Pascual, Mr. Cesar A. Camayra, principal of Salapan Elementary School, and Mrs. Helen S. Acedo, principal of San Juan Science High School.

From 7 o’clock to 11 o’clock in the morning of July 17, Team San Juan and the other NCR delegates were at the Atrium, Lim Ketkai Mall for the joint opening program of the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) and National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). It was very entertaining and informative. It did not only give the delegates the opportunity to meet the regional directors and the SDO officials from different regions, but it also made them more aware of the beauty of the host locality and the fun–filled activities that awaited them in the four–day event.

Individual contests for the elementary and secondary levels were held simultaneously from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Christian College and Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS). Five vans were available to take the NCR delegates from Cagayan de Oro National Junior High School, their billeting school, to the contest venues. They were also fetched after the contest or the activity.

On July 18 and 19, other campus journalists had group contests; school paper advisers attended the concurrent session about mobile journalism.

The most awaited day came. The awarding of winners was set on July 20, 2023, at Xavier University for elementary and at Liceo de Cagayan University for high school. NCR won fourth place in the overall ranking.

Team San Juan may not have been part of the top 5 in their categories but still, they are winners themselves. They got the opportunity to meet fellow citizens from different regions, gain new friends, and acquire more knowledge not only about journalism but also about other aspects of life while taking part in the competition and educational tours of Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon. These learning experiences will linger in their minds and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.

Congratulations, Team San Juan!