8th President of Mariano Marcos State University
San Juan, La Union – The 23rd Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) made history as over 400 campus journalists from 27 higher education institutions gathered at Puerto De San Juan Resort on February 19, 2025, nearly doubling last year’s 232 participants.
During the opening program, Dr. Maria Evelyn Corpuz, president of the Association of Regional Campus Paper Advisers (ARCPA), emphasized this milestone, noting the growing enthusiasm for campus journalism in the region.
With the record-breaking turnout, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, CHED ROI Director IV, expressed her gratitude to the advisers and HEI administrators for supporting their students in joining the event.
In her message, she also highlighted the crucial role of student journalists in the digital revolution.
“As student journalists, you are in a position to shape that change and lead the way in how journalism adapts to this new landscape,” Dr. Ferrer emphasized.
Dr. Al Gerald Barde, CHED ROI Education Supervisor II, also encouraged the young writers to see journalism beyond competition and to use their platform as a tool for advocacy, equity, and social transformation.
“I hope this press conference produces more than just medals and certificates. May we leave here with renewed hope, knowing that our pursuit of truth remains alive and when our freedom of expression is threatened, many will rally behind us,” said Dr. Barde.
Keynote speaker Mr. Marc Teomar Bautista, Information Officer of the Local Government of Bacnotan, expounded on this year’s theme, “PRESS PLAY: Campus Journalists as Game Changers in the Digital Revolution,” urging student journalists to harness digital tools to amplify their voices and champion the concerns of the people.
For three days, the participants will compete in 14 individual categories such as news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, and photojournalism.
In addition to the individual events, the radio broadcasting competition will also take place, alongside the judging of school publications for group categories.
During the awarding ceremony on February 21, 2025, the Top 5 campus journalists in each category will be selected to represent the region at the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference in Lucban, Quezon.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
#CHEDRO1
During the opening program, Dr. Maria Evelyn Corpuz, president of the Association of Regional Campus Paper Advisers (ARCPA), emphasized this milestone, noting the growing enthusiasm for campus journalism in the region.
With the record-breaking turnout, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, CHED ROI Director IV, expressed her gratitude to the advisers and HEI administrators for supporting their students in joining the event.
In her message, she also highlighted the crucial role of student journalists in the digital revolution.
“As student journalists, you are in a position to shape that change and lead the way in how journalism adapts to this new landscape,” Dr. Ferrer emphasized.
Dr. Al Gerald Barde, CHED ROI Education Supervisor II, also encouraged the young writers to see journalism beyond competition and to use their platform as a tool for advocacy, equity, and social transformation.
“I hope this press conference produces more than just medals and certificates. May we leave here with renewed hope, knowing that our pursuit of truth remains alive and when our freedom of expression is threatened, many will rally behind us,” said Dr. Barde.
Keynote speaker Mr. Marc Teomar Bautista, Information Officer of the Local Government of Bacnotan, expounded on this year’s theme, “PRESS PLAY: Campus Journalists as Game Changers in the Digital Revolution,” urging student journalists to harness digital tools to amplify their voices and champion the concerns of the people.
For three days, the participants will compete in 14 individual categories such as news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, and photojournalism.
In addition to the individual events, the radio broadcasting competition will also take place, alongside the judging of school publications for group categories.
During the awarding ceremony on February 21, 2025, the Top 5 campus journalists in each category will be selected to represent the region at the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference in Lucban, Quezon.
𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘎. 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦
#CHEDRO1
