Talisay City teacher wins National Schools Press Conference honor

A teacher, who is also a mother of three, from Talisay City National High School was named one of the outstanding school paper advisers for the Secondary level in Region VII of the National Schools Press Conference held in Ormoc City, Leyte.

Candice Grace C. Maque, 42, is Master Teacher 2 won Most Outstanding School Paper Advisers (Secondary) for Region VII and dedicates the award to the Campus Journalists.

Maque told GMA News Online that it was indeed a rough journey as a working mother and adviser to the Campus Journalists in Talisay City in Cebu.

"The award is dedicated to my CJs who were with me in this journey. They were the ones who never gave up even when they themselves find it difficult to continue," she said.

The public school teacher from Cebu recalled a particular anecdote about a requirement for the program.

"I remember I had to find a habalhabal (motorcycle for hire) to reach a local store to buy a radio. I was a radio broadcasting coach then," she added.

She bought the radio using the available store credit.

In terms of training of her students, she used to invite media classmates and friends to visit the school and provide lectures for free.

"What I always tell my campus journalists is we should never settle for less, even if we are from public schools. We have to give our best not to dream to win but to prove to ourselves that hardwork beats talent," said Maque.

The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized this year’s Most Outstanding Campus Journalists and School Paper Advisers during the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), highlighting excellence in student media across regions.

Anchored on the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag” (Critical, Principled, and Accountable Journalism), 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 held April 13 to 17 in Ormoc City, Leyte remains the country’s premier platform for campus journalism, bringing together top student journalists to compete in writing, visual journalism, publishing, mobile, and broadcast categories.

Most Outstanding Campus Journalists (Elementary)

Among those recognized were:

Althea Vernice L. Laguardia (Region I); Clearl Amber Zhaia D. Agumboy (Region II); Celso Zane III C. Ragasa (Region III); Julia Destine Makayla B. Valdez (Region IV-A); Megan Claire G. Vertucio (Region IV-B); Arielle Paulette F. Gabarda (Region V); Roxzia Rannah R. Tonog (Region VI); Mary Dee Therese S. Tuburan (Region VII); Algene Ezequiel R. Monto (Region VIII); Justin Roize C. Garces (Region IX); Zera Angelique Melch A. Gamaya (Region X); Emerald S. Malabosa (Region XI); Karyn Gabrielle J. Hernandez (Region XII); Carrey Rochel V. Caballero (Region XIII); Aisha F. Ampa (BARMM); Yael Joanna V. Cassilla (CAR); John Jiro Miranda (NCR); Sugar Snow C. Borra (NIR).

Most Outstanding Campus Journalists (Secondary)

Awardees include:

Aldrey B. De Vera (Region I); Christian Costales (Region II); Rhealyn B. Mendoza (Region III); Jayzel Kate M. Batula (Region IV-A); Jaycel G. De Castro (Region IV-B); Joseph Azil P. Buena (Region V); Shanelle A. Huqueriza (Region VI); Mary Shane T. Monasque (Region VII); John Kyle N. Bonoan (Region VIII); Prox Santino A. Balbuena (Region IX); Jerome Ivan M. Valdez (Region X); Hanna Shane Boiles (Region XI); Nyvelle D. Brillantes (Region XII); Aiphrell Anne D. Morada (Region XIII); Ali-Najer I. Hadjiracman (BARMM); Marian S. Cuevo (CAR); Arianne Jane F. Licuanan (NCR); Daniel Enrico P. Chua (NIR).

Most Outstanding School Paper Advisers (Elementary)

Recognized advisers include:

Fernando D. Patungan Jr. (Region I); Dave A. Batay-an (Region II); Reynalin M. Correa (Region III); John Chester C. Macatangay (Region IV-A); Darla Byrne V. Camongol (Region IV-B); Michelle A. Orsolino (Region V); Lilibeth T. Dela Serna (Region VI); Beneth Maria B. Aro (Region VII); Chyska L. Rojas (Region VIII); Marigold M. Opre (Region IX); Merlina S. Obligado (Region X); Ritchyl Q. Azarcon (Region XI); Lodgin L. Leano (Region XII); Daisy M. Cabusog (Region XIII); Homedi A. Guianalan (BARMM); Nonette B. Alsino (CAR); Rubelyn R. Soto (NCR); Ricardo S. Misajon Jr. (NIR).

Most Outstanding School Paper Advisers (Secondary)

Meanwhile, secondary-level awardees are:

Dennis A. Solis (Region I); Ethel Galapon (Region II); Allan Jason P. Sarmiento (Region III); April Jackie M. Latigay (Region IV-A); Riza O. Villanueva (Region IV-B); Amor C. Villamor (Region V); Leonardo Q. Bayadog (Region VI); Candice Grace C. Maque (Region VII); Cielito Virgil G. Acosta (Region VIII); Shafiq L. Kiram (Region IX); Florence L. Dublas (Region X); Xyra B. Abanilla (Region XI); Geraldine Mae Pamintuan-Tapia (Region XII); Hermelita S. Toralba (Region XIII); John Roderick S. Tolentino (BARMM); Marijoy Gupaal Mendoza (CAR); Joshua Caleb P. Pacleta (NCR); Lorenzo C. Magsipoc (NIR).

CALABARZON leads overall rankings

In overall regional performance, CALABARZON (Region IV-A) emerged as the top-performing region at this year’s NSPC, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) in second place and Region II in third.

DepEd said the NSPC continues to serve as a platform not only for competition but also for strengthening campus journalism programs and fostering media literacy among learners nationwide. — BAP, GMA News