Benguet State University (BSU) hosted the 23rd Regional Higher Education Press Conference, themed “PRESS PLAY: Campus Journalists as Game Changers in the Digital Revolution.” The event, held on February 12-14, 2025 at the Northern Philippine Root Crops Training Center, was organized by the Tertiary School Publication Advisers Association-Cordillera Administrative Region (TSPAA-CAR).

The event was participated by 11 student publications of 10 public and private Higher Education Institutions in CAR. The participating student publications were: The Flame of Baguio Central University; Tonisian Reflectors of Saint Tonis College, Inc.; Sparks Publication of Divine Word College of Bangued (DWCB); White & Blue of Saint Louis University; The Louisian Today of St. Louis College of Bulanao; Earthline of Kalinga State University (KSU) Main Campus; The Organon of KSU’s Rizal Campus; The Alternative of University of the Cordilleras; The Mountain Collegian of BSU; The Upland Farm of Ifugao State University; and Tala: The Mocking Bird of Mountain Province State University (MPSU).

The opening program started with the introduction of participants by Juman Kevin B. Tindo, Secretary of the TSPAA-CAR.

In her welcome remarks, Esther Josephine D. Sagalla, representing VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo, welcomed the participants from various schools. She shared that the activity had three objectives: to develop camaraderie among campus journalists, to enhance their journalism skills, and to heightened the practice of responsible campus journalism.

She emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in standing up against fake news and false narratives. Sagalla also hoped that the participants would enjoy their time in the campus.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan also emphasized the importance of being cautious when using artificial intelligence, as it can change the outcome of ideas. He highlighted that the event is an opportunity for the participants to shine and showcase their skills and knowledge and reminded them of the need for responsible journalism. Additionally, Laruan encouraged the participants to promote camaraderie with their competitors.

This was followed by Karen O. Laking, President of TSPAA-CAR, who shared the mechanics and guidelines of the competition and the introduction of judges and speakers by Faith B. Napudo, Treasurer of TSPAA-CAR.

Before the discussion and competition began, the BSU Glee club rendered a song and Lendel Matthew Paat of the DWCB-Sparks Publication led the Journalism’s Creed.

The program was followed by lectures on Editorial Writing and Opinion/Column Writing by Delmar O. Cariño; Poetry Writing and Literary Graphics Illustration by Frank Cimatu; Photojournalism by Karlston Lapniten; Feature Writing by Heather Ann Pulido; Editorial Cartooning and Comic Strip Drawing by Wreigh Jann Tamayo; Copy Reading, Headline Writing and News Writing by Romulo Bagacina Jr.; Layouting and Development Communication Writing by Paul Joseph A. Nuval; Sports Writing by Roderick Osis; Digital Art: Editorial Cartooning, Comic Strip Drawing, Literary Graphics Illustration, and Infographics by Mark Samuel de Guzman; and Radio Broadcasting by Jordan Tablac. A competition was then held after each discussion.

The closing and awarding ceremony began with a message from Laking. She expressed her gratitude to the BSU administration for hosting the event. She emphasized to the journalists that joining their university publication provides them the opportunity to hone their journalism skills. She added that joining the RHEPC showcases their skills and hoped that the press conference had taught them a lot. Laking encouraged the journalists to celebrate as they receive their medals and to work hard for their next steps.

Geraldine F. Casipit, Chief Education Program Specialist of the Commission on Higher Education-Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR), representing CHED-CAR Director Septon A. Dela Cruz, commended the participants for taking on the challenge and emphasized that journalists are game changers. She highlighted the responsibility of journalists to seek and uphold the truth, as well as their commitment to serve the public with integrity. She said that in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, journalists play a crucial role in ensuring that accurate information prevails in the digital landscape.

Casipit further mentioned that the awards won are not just for recognizing their achievements, but are also a testament to the journalists’ potential to lead and innovate. She urged the participants to carry forward the lessons they have learned and reminded them that their role in the digital revolution is not only to inform but also to inspire and empower others.

“Let us celebrate not just the winners but also the spirit of journalism that unites us all. Together, let us rise to the challenges of the digital revolution and prove that campus journalists are indeed the game changers the world needs,” she said.

An awarding ceremony was held to recognize the winners in various categories, including group events, individual events, overall winners for group events, highest individual pointers, and the top five best student publications.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the overall champion. The championship title was earned by BSU’s The Mountain Collegian. SLU’s White & Blue was the first runner-up followed by KSU’s The Organon (second runner-up),  UC’s The Alternative (third runner-up), and MPSU’s Tala: The Mocking Bird (fourth runner-up).

The top five winners in various categories will represent CAR at the Luzon wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) on April 2025 in Lucban, Quezon Province.

The event concluded with a message from BSU VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud. He shared that dreams have different stories, like plants in nurseries that are healthy, devastated, overgrown, fresh, or a nursery that has a space for new beginnings. He emphasized that dreams may exist in various stages, but nurseries of dreams are always open, as they can be nurtured and repurposed. Kinnud also expressed hope that the conference showed participants the power of collaboration, highlighting that everyone can be allies, even in competition. He reiterated that we are all united in facing challenges in responsible journalism and the rise of artificial intelligence.//BTayaban