Partido State University (ParSU) placed campus journalism at the forefront of truth-telling and democratic discourse by successfully hosting the 23rd Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) from January 28 to 30, 2026, gathering 31 student publications from higher education institutions across the Bicol Region and involving 356 student journalists.
With the theme "VOICE ABLAZE: Campus Journalists as Vigilant Truth Tellers," the three-day regional gathering highlighted journalism's enduring responsibility to question, verify, and illuminate truth, especially in an age marked by misinformation, digital noise, and public indifference.
The conference formally opened on January 28 with a welcome message from ParSU Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas, who emphasized the University's sustained commitment to strengthening campus journalism anchored on ethics, critical inquiry, and social responsibility.
Highlighting the formative role of campus journalism, Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, Education Specialist II of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED ROV) and Adviser of the Association of Tertiary School Publication Advisers in Bicol (ATSPAB), described student publications as vital training grounds where young writers are shaped not only in technical skill, but in integrity, accountability, and courage.
Anchoring the opening ceremonies, ParSU President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo delivered a keynote address that challenged campus journalists to recognize the weight of their role in society. He stressed that journalism demands more than expression, noting that "journalism requires discipline, [โฆ] and an unwavering commitment to truth, especially in times when silence is often easier and [misinformation] spreads faster than facts." He also added that asking difficult questions and insisting on verified information remain essential pillars of a functioning democracy.
Drawing from the conference theme, Dr. Zarcedo urged campus journalists, "[let your] voice [blaze], - [not as noise, but as light] - capable of cutting through fear, silence, and indifference." At its best, he said, journalism illuminates truth and exposes what power often tries to conceal.
The opening ceremonies were further enriched by performances from various student organizations, highlighting the creativity and diversity of academic communities across the region.
The conference concluded on January 30 with award ceremonies honoring individual and group winners, as well as the collective voice of campus journalists committed to speaking truth within and beyond their institutions. During the closing program, it was also announced that Sorsogon State University will host the 24th RTSPC in Sorsogon City in 2027. Further, the top five performers in each category will advance to the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) 2026 on March 17-19, 2026, in Tuguegarao City.
Hosting University ParSU likewise made a strong showing through Radiance, its official student publication, which garnered 35 awards and emerged as 3rd Runner-Up Overall Best Publication in the Group Competition. Four members of its Editorial Board, coached by the publicationโs moderator Mr. Leemar Serrano, also secured qualification slots for the upcoming LHEPC.
By hosting the 23rd RTSPC, ParSU reaffirmed its role as an advocate of campus journalism, recognizing student journalists as emerging truth tellers whose voices, when ablaze, can help illuminate society.
