Young Journalist from Niña Maria Learning Center Brings Home Honor in Editorial Writing

The 2025 District Level School Press Conference (DSPC) – South District was formally held on September 9-10, 2025, at Cagayan de Oro National High School, gathering young journalists from both public and private schools across Cagayan de Oro City.

September 9, 2025 began with the registration and arrival of participants followed by the formal opening program. After the national anthem, prayers, and welcome messages from DepEd officials, participants were given an orientation on the contest mechanics and guidelines. By 10:30 in the morning, the contestants proceeded to their designated classroom, guided by the Boys Scouts of the Philippines.

The event gathered schools such as Camaman-an Elementary School, Indahag Elementary School, Macasandig Elementary School, South City Central School, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Taguanao Elementary School (Indahag), Corpus Christi School, International School CDO (Elementary & Junior high), Lourdes College Inc. (Elementary & Junior High), Niña Maria Learning Center (NMLC), and many others from the South District. 

Among the proud representatives were our NMLC pupils: Timothy James Mertalla (Photojournalism – Elementary Level) and Awyne Skye G. Balaba (Editorial Writing – English, Elementary Level) under the mentorship of Teacher Kaye Chavez Villarico. While the pupils competed in their assigned venues, all coaches remained at the school stage area to await contest proceedings. At 12:00 noon, Teacher Mavy Japay joined the delegation to assist Teacher Kaye Villarico in supporting TJ and Awayne.

The contest concluded on September 10, 2025, with the finalization of results and awarding of certificates. At exactly 3:00 in the afternoon, after the joint awarding ceremonies of the Festival of Talents participated in by the South, North I and North II Districts, the winners of the press conference were announced.

In a remarkable achievement for NMLC, Awyne Skye G. Balaba, a Grade 6 pupil, secured 2nd Place in Editorial Writing – English (Elementary Category). This victory marked the first-ever win for the school in the District Level School Press Conference, bringing honor and pride to the institution.

The success of the 2025 DSPC not only showcased the talents of young campus journalists but also emphasized the dedication of coaches and schools in nurturing the next generation of writers and leaders.

Text and photos by Teacher Kaye C. Villarico, Grade 5 – Richelet Adviser