TUMAUINI, Isabela — Ivatan campus journalists once again made their presence felt on the regional stage as the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Batanes recorded notable achievements in the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2026, held in Tumauini, Isabela.

The SDO Batanes delegation, composed of 53 campus journalists and 13 school paper advisers, earned multiple awards across individual and group categories, marking a strong comeback for its radio broadcasting teams after failing to secure podium finishes in RSPC 2025.

In individual events, Deborah A. Pazziuagan placed 4th in Editorial Writing (English), while Willa Jeanelle G. Ballon clinched 3rd Place in Copy Reading and Headline Writing (English).

Significant gains were also recorded in Script Writing and Radio Broadcasting.

In the Filipino Radio Broadcasting category, Marissa L. Vargas placed 4th as Best Anchor, while Christine Joy C. Merida and Jessica Leil Rocoa both secured 4th Place as Best News Presenter. Ella Marie A. Caluttong earned 3rd Place for Best Script, together with team members Aethan R. Uy, John Quincy Vinalay, and Marianne B. Homigop.

In the English Radio Broadcasting category, Chelzya Joy E. Balasbas and her team emerged as 1st Place Best Infomercial, while the SDO Batanes English Radio Broadcasting Team—composed of Gian Gabrielle A. Gonzales, Willa Jeanelle G. Ballon, James D. Villa, Kairo Tabuso, Chelzya Joy E. Balasbas, Andrea Nicole C. Velayo, and Ire Jane N. Guisando—placed 5th Overall.

Meanwhile, in the Teachers’ Category, Jonilyn M. Entela garnered 4th Place in both Feature Writing and Copy Reading and Headline Writing.

Beyond individual recognitions, SDO Batanes was also conferred the award for Best Comprehensive Division News Reporting and Balanced Information Drive, recognizing its consistent delivery of timely, balanced, and accurate coverage of division activities, governance initiatives, and stakeholder engagements.

OIC–Schools Division Superintendent Dante J. Marcelo, PhD, CESO VI, expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the Provincial Government of Batanes, led by Governor Jun P. Aguto, as well as the unwavering backing of parents and stakeholders. He emphasized the division’s commitment to strengthening partnerships to achieve even better outcomes in future regional competitions imbibing yaru in all the endeavors.

The delegation was supervised by Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in Filipino Myrna H. Agudo, with assistance from EPS in SNED Bernadette L. Vinalay and Education Program Specialist II – HRDD Nicanor C. Batin Jr.

During the closing program, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Georgann G. Cariaso personally congratulated the delegates. Also in attendance were Chief – CID Violeta B. Gasilao and Chief – SGOD Marcial Y. Noguera.

The SDO Batanes delegates were warmly received by the host school, Tumauini Stand Alone Senior High School, under the leadership of Inocencio T. Balag, Principal IV, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that defined the RSPC 2026.

The next Regional Schools Press Conference will be hosted by SDO – Santiago City.

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