Angara: ‘All systems go’ for NSPC 2026 in Ormoc City

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MAKATI CITY, 10 April 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) has finalized preparations for the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), set from April 13 to 17 in Ormoc City, Leyte, with reforms aimed at strengthening support for learners, teachers, and school communities while sustaining excellence in campus journalism.



Anchored on the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag” (Critical, Principled, and Accountable Journalism), this year’s NSPC highlights the role of schools and educators in guiding students to become responsible communicators in an increasingly complex media environment.



The annual conference continues to serve as a national platform for the country’s top campus journalists. Participants, composed of top regional winners, will compete in individual and group competitions, including writing, visual journalism, publishing, mobile, and broadcast categories.




“Sa panahon ngayon kung saan napakabilis kumalat ang impormasyon, mas mahalaga ang papel ng kabataang mamamahayag na marunong magsuri, at manindigan sa katotohanan. Ang NSPC ay isang paghuhubog ng mga kabataang magiging tagapagtanggol ng katotohanan sa hinaharap,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.



To better support schools and advisers, the department has introduced key adjustments, including the shift of the School Paper Contest into an exhibition format. Instead of focusing on a single national winner, the exhibit will showcase the best publications from each region, allowing more student outputs to gain visibility and enabling peer learning among campus journalists and teachers.



Participation remains limited to top regional qualifiers to help manage costs and minimize disruption to teaching time, while maintaining the prestige of the national competition.



The evolving format of the NSPC reflects its broader effort to make national programs more responsive to the needs of schools, ensuring that while student talents are recognized, learning continuity, teacher workload, and resource efficiency remain protected.



The change responds to feedback from the field, particularly from advisers and school heads who have called for more inclusive and instructional formats that recognize diverse approaches to campus journalism.



Hosted by DepEd Region VIII in partnership with the Schools Division of Ormoc City, the five-day event will also provide opportunities for collaboration among educators, student journalists, and regional delegations.

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