𝐇𝐒𝐂𝐈-𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐒𝐏𝐂 ‘𝟐𝟓 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞

ILOILO CITY – Against all odds, Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) – The Chain’s student journalists emerged victorious at the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2025, showcasing their exceptional skills and resilience despite roughly only a week of preparation held February 8 at Diamond Jubilee Hall with the theme “Campus Journalism: Challenged by Learners’ Performance Issues”

Spearheaded by the Schools Division of Iloilo City in cooperation with the Regional Association of School Paper Advisers and Campus Journalists, the event gathered over 700 elementary and secondary level participants from approximately 59 public and private schools across Iloilo City.

Chief Education Supervisor of the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID), Arlo Villalva, delivered an inspiring opening message, emphasizing the importance of campus journalism in fostering fairness, developing writing skills, and echoing the sentiments expressed in the collective message from the Schools Division of Iloilo City.

“The journalism spirit is alive, kicking, and well because of you, our student journalists. We need to stick side-by-side. You are here to compete but with a sportsman-like attitude. Winning is important, but you are here to share your gift. We’re not here if you’re not here with us. So, let’s not stop discovering the talents of learners”, he declared.

The said event featured a range of individual contests encompassing News, Sports, Editorial, Feature, Column, Science and Technology Writing, Editorial Cartooning, and Photojournalism. Meanwhile, group contests including Radio Scriptwriting and TV Broadcasting, and Collaborative Online Publishing will be held on February 15.

Coached by France P. Banguiran, Cherlyn Gamao, Christian Homer Medalla, Kathrine Casera, Queen Encarguez, Chelle Denise Huyaban and Nicole Tirados the journalists’ dedication and talent shone through, resulting in numerous accolades across various categories:

Elementary Level:

News Writing: Kingson G. Reyes (Champion)

Sports Writing: Ralph Lenard B. Jucaban (3rd Place)

Editorial Cartooning: Matthew Joachim Dillera Distor (4th Place)

Photojournalism: Abigail O. Ong (4th Place)

News Writing: Lei Denise Baldisimo (4th Place)

Editorial Writing: Merrylle Sunshine Bless Lorea (4th Place)

Editorial Writing: Jahan Nor S. Madid (7th Place)

Science and Technology Writing: Johann Francis E. Tomo (8th Place)

Secondary Level:

News Writing (Pagsulat ng Balita): Hanna Francesca Aguilar (Champion)

Editorial Writing (English): Paul Daniel Almeñana (Champion)

Editorial Writing: Rhabia Salma Sharief (2nd Place)

Copyreading and Headline Writing (Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita): Lexyn Rhaine Infante (2nd Place)

Column Writing (English): Mary Celeste Pasaporte (2nd Place)

Photojournalism (English): Niña Therese Apistar (2nd Place)

Editorial Writing (Pagsulat ng Editoryal): Leizette Alagos (3rd Place)

News Writing: Akyzah Denyss Inate (3rd Place)

Science and Technology Writing (Filipino): Jolly Jing Prudente (3rd Place)

Editorial Cartooning (English): Harvey Buaron (4th Place)

Science and Technology Writing (English): Queency Mariel Potente (4th Place)

Feature Writing (Pagsulat ng Lathalain): Angela Cris Caidic (4th Place)

Feature Writing: Margareth Failaban (5th Place)

Column Writing (English): Chloe Anne Abcede (5th Place)

Editorial Cartooning (English): Keisha Alexandra Jaruda (5th Place)

Sports Writing (Pagsulat ng Isports): Precious Fiona Paguntalan (7th Place)

Editorial Cartooning (Filipino): Kate Banias (10th Place)

While only the top five winners in each category will advance to the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in March, The Chain staffers’ victory is a powerful statement on the potential of dedicated students, goal-oriented coaches, and the enduring value of campus journalism. Their success sets a high bar for future participants and promises a strong showing at the upcoming RSPC.