The Higher School ng UMak (HSU) Herons Connect (HHC) successfully secured multiple awards at the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) held on October 24, at iACADEMY, Makati City.
After two months of preparation under the supervision of their school paper advisers: Ms. Honie Lynne Serquiña, Mr. Elvis Galzote, Ms. Angelika Pabellan, Mr. Mark Jaycee Calicdan, and Mr. Remson De Leoz, HSU deployed 39 student-journalists to compete for DSPC 2026, marking its largest delegation to date.
The competition took place last October 10 at Makati Integrated School, bringing together over 900 campus journalists and school paper advisers from various schools across the City of Makati.
Guided by the theme, “TRUTH. VOICE. IMPACT.: Shaping the Future of Journalism through Integrity and Innovation,” the conference featured resource speakers who shared their insights on journalism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Among the speakers was Susana Cambri-Abdullahi, Managing Editor of The Philippine Reader, who stated, “Hindi na mabubura ang inobasyon at pag-unlad ng teknolohiya [We cannot erase technical innovation and progress…]”, highlighting that people can use technology but its impact may vary depending on how they use it.
“Go, we can use it (AI), but we should be responsible when using it, especially wala siyang utak [especially since it doesn’t have a mind of its own…],” said Carlo Giana, Theater and Video Designer, Writer, Actor.
The awarding ceremony commenced two weeks after the competition proper.
Individual Categories
Axl Craig Luzon secured First place in Mobile Journalism (Filipino), while Jeya F. Trofeo also won First place in Pagsulat ng Lathalain. Alicia Mae Mendez placed Second in Copyreading and Headline writing. Meanwhile, Yjeh F. Trofeo and Denise Angela D. Canceran both attained Third place in Pagsulat ng Isports and Pagsulat ng Balita. Angel Libradilla and Rich Michael Luna both obtained Fourth place in Mobile Journalism (English) and Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng balita, respectively. Andreana D. Parallag earned 5th Place in Pagsulat ng Pangulong Tudling.
Group Categories
Both the HSU’s English and Filipino Radio Broadcasting and Scriptwriting teams secured the championship in the group categories.
Composed of the members; Lana Sophia Gabrielle Zaragoza, Justine Joi Revil, Elizabeth Sophia Melody, Shaunn Jared Bercasio, Henry Christian Bernal, Zui Alonzo Mitra and Courtney Madison Tadeo, the English team was able to accumulate 1st Places in Best Script, Best Infomercial.
Tadeo bagged the Best Technical Application, while Melody was awarded Third place as the Best Anchor. Meanwhile, Berasco and Bernal achieved Fourth places for both Best Anchor and Best News Presenter, respectively.
The Filipino Broadcasting Team consisted of the members; Rabbi Andrei Mendoza, Alfaunz Caleb Catolico, Rhionianne Mae Padernos, Anne Michelle Ambal, Christian Daniel Orbegoso, Quianna Nhim Ramos, and John Matthew Amper, was able to garner 1st Places in Best Script and Infomercial.
Best Technical Application was given to John Matthew Amper, and Best Anchor to Padernos, Second places were given to Mendoza as Best Anchor and Catolico as Best News Presenter, while Fourth and Fifth places in Best News Presenter and Best News Presenter were Ramos and Orbegoso, respectively.
At the same time, the Filipino Online Publishing Team consisting the members; Charles Zaijian Mogol, Xiahnon Hansz Crisolo, Maurice Maeve Eng, Jazz Micah Bihasa and Janelle Marley Borromeo were able to win Second place for their category.
Accumulating the individual and group achievements, the University of Makati – Higher School ng UMak (UMak-HSU) ranked Second Runner-Up in the Top Performing Schools (Secondary) of the district and secured five individual and two group category students qualified for the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC).
Being one of the fielded contestants in the newly introduced Mobile Journalism category, First placer Luzon expressed his gratitude for being able to compete in the RSPC, especially after only having only a short period of time to prepare for the competition.
“Honestly, hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in sa akin so parang very surreal pa yung moment as of now [Honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in for me yet, so the moment still feels very surreal…],” he stated.
Meanwhile, English Radio Broadcasting Anchor Melody also conveyed her insights regarding their team. She believes that their performance at the DSPC was a reflection of their hard work and dedication. She also described her team as a “tightly knit united group”.
This year’s RSPC is expected to commence soon at Caloocan City where the representatives of the District of Makati will be competing against 15 other districts for a spot to compete in the national competition.
Photo Courtesy: HSU-HERONS CONNECT
