Thousands of student journalists from 14 school divisions in Region 1 have arrived in Dagupan City to compete in the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) and Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) from February 10 to 14, 2025.

To accommodate the delegates, some schools in Dagupan City have been designated as billeting areas.

This lead to the temporary suspension of classes in these schools.

“Walang pasok ang mga learner kasi ‘yung mga classroom ang magsisilbing billeting areas ng mga delegates,” Dr. Rowena Banzon, Schools Division Superintendent of SDO-Dagupan City, said.

EXCITEMENT AND PREPARATION

Among the early arrivals were delegates from Burgos National High School, who reached Dagupan around 6 a.m. on Monday, February 10.

They expressed both excitement and nervousness about the competition.

“Magpa-practice pa rin kami mamaya kasi syempre marami kaming makakalaban,” Edzler Basilio, an RSPC participant, said.

Head Teacher Theodore Louie Braga said their team has been preparing since the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC).

“We are 100 percent ready. Syempre, after DSPC talagang naghanda na kami,” he said.

For some students from Bayambang Central School, this will be their first time competing in RSPC, particularly in the Radio Broadcasting category.

“Handang-handa na kami para po dito,” Ryxi Domingo, another participant, said.

This year’s event is also special as it is the first time the RSPC and RFOT are held together in one location.