DepEd to open NSPC 2026 with reforms to boost campus journalism

The Department of Education will open the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Ormoc City, Leyte next week with reforms aimed at strengthening campus journalism and improving support for schools.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said it is “all systems go” for April 13 to 17 event.

Anchored on the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag,” this year’s NSPC underscores the role of schools in developing student journalists who can think critically and uphold accountability in an increasingly complex media landscape.

The annual conference remains the country’s premier platform for campus journalism, bringing together top student journalists from across regions to compete in individual and group categories, including writing, visual journalism, publishing, mobile and broadcast.

“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,” Angara said.

(In a time when information spreads rapidly, the role of young journalists who can think critically and stand for the truth is more important. The NSPC helps shape young people who will become defenders of truth in the future.)

Reforms to support schools, advisers

The DepEd introduced key adjustments this year, including shifting the School Paper Contest into an exhibition format.

Instead of naming a single national winner, the exhibit will showcase top publications from each region, allowing more student work to gain visibility while encouraging peer learning among campus journalists and advisers.

Participation will remain limited to regional qualifiers, a move the department said will help manage costs and minimize disruption to teaching time while maintaining the prestige of the national competition.

The changes reflect DepEd’s broader effort to make national programs more responsive to the needs of schools, particularly in balancing student development with classroom demands.

DepEd said the revised format responds to feedback from advisers and school heads seeking more inclusive and instructional approaches to campus journalism.

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

With preparations finalized, the Department of Education expects this year’s NSPC to not only sustain excellence in campus journalism but also reinforce its role in shaping responsible and principled communicators.—AOL, GMA News