CALABARZON emerged as the overall champion in the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), while the National Capital Region (NCR) secured second place. Region II placed third, followed by Regions V and III.

The NSPC officially concluded on Friday in Ormoc City, gathering the country’s top campus journalists for a weeklong celebration of excellence, discipline, and the enduring power of storytelling.

In his message to participants, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the deeper responsibility of journalism beyond competition.

“Sa bawat balitang isinulat ninyo, sa bawat katotohanang pinili ninyong ipaglaban, hinuhubog ninyo hindi lamang ang inyong sarili kundi ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagsusulat. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paninindigan para sa bansa,” Angara said.

He also underscored the importance of truth in an age of information overload.

“Sa panahon ng ingay at impormasyon, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang kakayahang pumili ng tama at ipaglaban ang katotohanan. Nawa’y dalhin ninyo ang aral ng NSPC—na ang isang mamamahayag ay may paninindigan, may pananagutan, at may malasakit sa bayan,” he added.

Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez also shared an inspirational message with the delegates, highlighting the value of their experiences beyond the competition.

“You have to honor the journey. Keep writing, keep sharing your stories because life is a collection of stories. We are very inspired here in Ormoc,” she said, reaffirming the city’s role as both host and partner in nurturing young journalists.

The Department of Education stressed that the NSPC continues to serve as a vital platform for developing responsible, critical, and ethical communicators in an increasingly complex media landscape.

With the theme “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag” (Critical, Principled, and Accountable Journalism), the conference continues to shape a generation of learners who understand the weight of truth and the responsibility that comes with telling it.