𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 || 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐃-𝐑𝐒𝐏𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲

𝐽𝑎𝑖𝑟ℎ𝑎 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝑇. 𝑆𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑐𝑜 𝑅𝑂-𝑃𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑓𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 BAROBO, SURIGAO DEL SUR, April 06, 2025—𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁—𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗗-𝗥𝗦𝗣𝗖) 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀. The opening ceremony, held at the Barobo Municipal Gymnasium, brought together a dynamic assembly of participants, including DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion, the 12 Schools Division Superintendents, regional office personnel, local government officials, coaches, and student delegates from across the region. After the lively foot parade, the excitement continued with the grand entrance and presentation of delegates. Led by CLMD Chief Bernabe L. Linog, each division proudly showcased its identity through creative chants and spirited yells, filling the gymnasium with vibrant energy and unity. Dr. Lorenzo O. Macasocol, Schools Division Superintendent of the host division, Surigao del Sur, welcomed all participants, setting the tone for a meaningful and inspiring RASD-RSPC 2025. Reflecting on his connection to campus journalism, Dr. Macasocol said, "RSPC is not a heartbeat away from me. I am a school paper adviser and will always be." His heartfelt message resonated with the crowd, especially fellow advisers and student journalists, underscoring his unwavering support for the press conference and its purpose. Barobo Municipal Mayor Hon. Joey S. Pama, also fully supported the event. He took pride in his town's growth, stating, "Barobo, nestled in the heart of Surigao del Sur, is a dynamic and progressive community with a flourishing eco-tourism industry. While we may be a small town, our inspiration and commitment to progress are boundless. It is our pleasure to share with you the beauty of our landscapes and the warmth and hospitality of our people." Mayor Pama emphasized the event's significance, noting, "This event is more than just a competition. It is a platform for young aspiring journalists to refine their craft, develop their critical thinking skills, and uphold the principles of ethical and responsible journalism." Following a captivating intermission number by the Barobo National High School (BNHS) Special Program in the Arts (SPA), Juris Ann G. Pantillo, a campus journalist from Tagbina National High School, led the student delegates in reciting the Journalists' Creed. With their right hands raised, Juris Ann and her fellow delegates solemnly pledged to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and ethical journalism. To further symbolize unity and pride, DepEd Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion led the ceremonial hoisting of the region and division banners, joined by the Schools Division Superintendents, CLMD Chief, and Education Program Supervisors, and Regional Journalism Coordinator Dr. Gladys S. Asis. This moment marked the beginning of the event and reinforced the region's commitment to academic and journalistic excellence. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Kharyl R. Garcia, RMT, a Medical Officer III at NEMSU, began his speech with a thought-provoking question: "Why is a medical doctor your keynote speaker today?" He then revealed his experience as a former campus journalist, explaining that his presence was not just as a medical professional but as someone who truly understood the transformative power of journalism. With his heartfelt message, Dr. Garcia aimed to inspire the young journalists in the audience, encouraging them to pursue their craft with passion and integrity. "Campus journalism is often seen as a stepping stone to pursuing mass communication or media," Dr. Garcia shared. "But I am living proof that its impact goes beyond that. It doesn't just produce reporters; it moulds leaders." His words emphasized the far-reaching influence of campus journalism, shaping skilled communicators and cultivating future leaders across various fields. Dr. Garcia concluded his speech with a challenge for the delegates: "There is no substitute for practice," he said, recalling how he took this advice to heart throughout his journey to success. He urged the young journalists to prove that Caraga could emerge as champions in the writing field, setting the stage for the fierce yet inspiring competitions that would follow. To formally open the 2025 Regional Schools Press Conference, Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion emphasized that the true essence of victory lies not in accolades, medals, or certificates but in the journey of growth, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the 2025 Regional Schools Press Conference begins, delegates are poised to showcase their skills and passion for journalism. With a commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence, this event sets the stage for a future where young journalists from Caraga emerge as leaders in their craft. The journey ahead promises to inspire and challenge all participants toward even more remarkable achievements. For more updates on the Regional Schools Press Conference 2025, contact (085) 221-1151; 0961-737-08-73; 0977-739-44-53. Website: www.caraga.deped.gov.ph; email: caraga@deped.gov.ph; pau_caraga@deped.gov.ph. 𝐄𝐍𝐃 #DepEdCaraga #RSPC2025