The Communication Department of Laguna University joined over a thousand delegates at the 16th National Campus Media Conference and the 3rd International Research Conference (IRC) organized by the School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM) Inc, in cooperation with the National University (NU)-Clark, Pampanga Press Club (PPC) and International Society of Teachers, Administrators and Researchers (ISTAR) from September 25–27, 2025 at National University – Clark, SM City Clark, Clark Freeport, Angeles City, Pampanga.
With the theme “BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Empowering Campus Journalists as Catalysts for Truth, Integrity and Emerging Trends through Ethical Storytelling,” the three-day event gathered 1,197 participants from 104 schools nationwide, highlighting the talents and excellence of student-journalists from elementary to college levels.
The first day of the conference was divided into two parts: the morning session focused on the contest briefing, while the afternoon to evening sessions featured the opening program, award briefing, and contest proper. Keynote speaker and veteran broadcast journalist Mr. Ivan Mayrina of GMA Integrated News emphasized the ethical responsibility of media practitioners, reminding participants that “as journalists, it is our duty to tell the truth without the lenses of any agenda.”
Representing LU in the tertiary category were Jayson D. Lepalim (Sports Writing–Filipino) and Claire E. Tolentino (Backpack Journalism and Visual Journalism), both from the BA Communication program. For the faculty category, Dr. Olga J. Domingo (Copyreading and Headline Writing), Dean Rosalie D. Buban of the College of Education (Opinion Writing–English), and Mr. Jomarie T. Suamen (Opinion Writing–Filipino), a former LU faculty member now working as an instructor in City College of Calamba.
Dr. Domingo, SPAM’s Luzon representative, facilitated the contest briefing for the Radio Broadcasting Contest. Mr. John Calvin DA Sandoval, a part-time Communication faculty member, acted as a coach for the students.
On the second day, Dr. Buban, Dr. Domingo, and Mr. Suamen participated in the 3rd IRC, presenting their research titled “Reliance on AI Tools and Comprehension and Writing Skills of First-Year Students at Selected HEIs.”
The three-day event concluded with the awarding ceremonies. Although Laguna University did not secure a podium finish, the experience itself became their victory — a testament that true success lies not only in winning awards but in gaining knowledge, building connections, and strengthening the integrity of campus journalism.
being a journalist, like accuracy, fairness, honesty, and independence.
Some photos of the event:
by: Jayson D. Lepalim
