PR experts, media personalities, digital creators headline 2026 National Student PR Congress

The future of public relations takes center stage as the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) brings together leading communication professionals and next-generation practitioners for the 2026 National Student PR Congress on November 12-13 at the ARG Theater, Taft Campus of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

In partnership with Globe Telecom and GMA Network as its official media partner, the congress carries the theme “In Our PR Era: The Next Chapter of Your Story.” It celebrates the diversity of PR as a profession, while recognizing how technology, evolving audience behavior, and growing expectations for transparency and accountability continue to redefine how organizations and individuals communicate.

“Public relations is evolving faster than ever, and our students need to understand that the profession goes far beyond writing press releases or managing social media accounts. It is about understanding people, earning trust, navigating complex situations, and knowing how to use communication to create meaningful impact,” said Steve Michael Moore Jr., 2026 National Student PR Congress and Student Grand Prix Chair.

“Through this congress, we want students to see the different directions of their PR journey and also recognize the responsibility that comes with every story they tell. We want them to be ready not only to enter the industry, but also to become stewards of the stories and communities entrusted to them,” Moore added.

Industry leaders and influential voices share their expertise

The congress will feature a diverse roster of speakers.

Leading the pack are industry experts Norman Agatep, APR, CEO of Grupo Agatep; Ritzi Ronquillo, APR, IABC Fellow; Ramon Isberto, APR, Consultant of Media Quest; Ma. Luisa Sebastian APR, Managing Director of PAGEONE's Brownbag Communications; Kane Erol Choa APR, ABS-CBN Vice President for Corporate Communications; and Chito Maniago APR, Globe Telecom's Senior Director and Head of Public Relations and Social Impact.

Also joining the discussions are Belle Tiongco, IABC Chairman; Rhea Ensamtan, President of MORES and Director of Kantar Media veteran sports broadcaster Severino Sarmenta Jr, and Momentum Research Chairman Gary Dionisio.

Also gracing the congress are creative and entertainment personalities, such as National Artist Ricky Lee; Media personality Kim Atienza; award-winning actor Romnick Sarmenta; rising actress Shuvee Etrata; and GMA Program and Creative Director JC Rubio.

Digital storytelling and the influence of online personalities will be explored through the participation of social media personalities Inka Magnaye and Baus Rufo. The congress will also spotlight rising PR professionals, Jedd Leano of Ardent Communications, Portia Amparo of Foodpanda, and Julianne Borje of Legion Protocol who will bring fresh perspectives as they build their respective careers in the industry.

Together, the speakers represent the breadth of opportunities in public relations and communications, demonstrating how strategic storytelling and audience engagement intersect across industries, platforms, and professional disciplines.

For PRSP President Ana Pista, APR, the congress reflects the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals who will help shape the future of the industry.

“Preparing future PR practitioners means equipping them with more than technical skills. They must learn to think critically, act with integrity,s understand the communities they serve, and recognize the influence their words and decisions can have. As the communication landscape continues to change, we need professionals who can adapt to new tools and platforms without losing sight of the trust at the heart of public relations,” Pista said.

She added that bringing students into conversations with experienced practitioners creates valuable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and a deeper appreciation of the profession's role in society.

Student Grand Prix challenges future communicators

Complementing the congress is the 2026 PRSP Student Grand Prix, a platform that challenges students to apply their knowledge of public relations and strategic communication to develop creative, relevant, and effective campaign solutions.

The competition provides students with an opportunity to move beyond theory and demonstrate their ability to understand communication challenges, develop strategic approaches, and translate ideas into actionable campaigns.

Through the Student Grand Prix, PRSP continues to encourage emerging communicators to think critically, collaborate creatively, and develop solutions grounded in a clear understanding of audiences, objectives, and the impact of communication.

The student congress and PR competition reinforce the importance of bridging academe and industry, allowing students to learn from established practitioners while demonstrating their own ideas and capabilities.

As the communication landscape continues to evolve, the 2026 National Student PR Congress hosted once again by PRSP’s official academic partner, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde through its Marketing Management department, invites students to discover new perspectives, learn from industry leaders, and explore the many possibilities that await them in public relations and communications.

This event will not be possible without the support of the following industry partners: Anytime Fitness, Hotel Benilde, Mang Inasal, Pag-IBIG Fund and TARA.

Students interested in participating at the 2026 National Student PR Congress may register online through the official registration page here.