In its third cycle, Good Shepherd Cathedral School’s The Flock and Ang Kawan competed in the annual District 5 Secondary Schools Press Conference (DSSPC) held last October 19 and 20, 2024, with the former bagging awards in the individual categories of the contest.
Held at San Bartolome High School (SBHS), day one of the DSSPC started with the opening remarks of Dr. Eulogio Pedres, principal of the host school. He said that SBHS, along with its students and personnel, were ready to give the scribes everything, from the heart to the soul, for them to succeed.
Following this was the introduction of the more than 20 schools competing by Mr. Brian Bardinas, journalism coordinator of Santa Lucia High School—with him bringing up that District 5 is the largest among its six districts Quezon City has.
Mrs. Ma. Nimfa Gabertan, education program supervisor in English and Journalism, then proceeded with a motivational speech and message of appreciation to the organizers. Focusing on the event’s theme of Fostering Inclusivity: Campus Journalism for a Diverse School Community, she explains how journalism is a powerful force that shapes minds, influences communities, and sparks change. In her opinion, we should never underestimate the power of their words, as they are a beacon for those seeking change.
Meanwhile, for school paper advisers (SPAs), Mrs. Gabertan remarks how their unwavering commitment to nurturing these young minds [journalists] are the backbone of this endeavor.
Afterwards, Maligaya High School’s SPA, Ms. Suzie Fedelicio, introduced the judges for the individual and group categories. Whereas SPA Mr. Angelo Pineda of SBHS dictates the DSSPC rules for the participants to follow.
The opening ceremony was graced by a dance troupe performing a short intermission. Meanwhile Izabelle Dimzon, the president of the QC and NCR Editors’ Guild, led the journalist’s creed. It is followed by the contest proper for the individual categories, with all campus scribes, excluding mobile journalism, were given one hour to write their pieces.
The awarding ceremony was held on October 19, at the auditorium of Our Lady of Fatima University—Quezon City Campus. Four journalists—all from the English publication, The Flock, stood on the podium and obtained their laurels.
Associate editor Jose Bon Alcantara acquired a bronze for being third best in copyreading and headline writing. Concurrently, editor-in-chief Corinne Angelique Cedo continues her presscon winning streak by garnering the fourth place in feature writing.
Moreover, photojournalist Charley May Co got the sixth place in the mentioned field, while DSSPC first-timer Celyn Joy Madriaga achieved seventh in column writing.
Hopes are high as yet again, the student publications of GSCS raised the banner and showcased their mastery in truth-seeking. With the Division Schools Press Conference at the corner, writers are eager to make another comeback and steal the spotlight.
Jose Bon Carlo Alcantara
Drenviell Qyenna Balicot and Janvi Aldaine Estrada (Ang Kawan), Corinne Angelique Cedo