The 2025 Division Schools Press Conference in Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya brought together one of the largest gatherings of young writers, broadcasters, and student leaders in recent years. Held on November 24 and 25, the event turned the town into a vibrant center of campus journalism as elementary and high school delegations from all districts arrived early in the morning, carrying their school IDs, press kits, and the quiet determination that comes when months of preparation finally lead to competition day.

Villaverde proved to be an ideal host. Schools described the atmosphere as warm and organized, and the hosting team ensured that contest venues, holding areas, and coordination spaces were in place before students arrived. By mid-morning, the town was filled with groups of students reviewing notes, advisers giving instructions, and volunteers guiding participants to the assigned rooms.

Elementary and High School Delegations From Across the Province

This year’s DSPC saw a strong turnout from both elementary and secondary schools across Nueva Vizcaya. Delegations from Solano, Bayombong, Bambang, Quezon, Villaverde, Bagabag, Sta. Fe, and other municipalities were present, each bringing their selected writers, editorial teams, and broadcasters who had qualified from school- and district-level competitions.

Elementary pupils stood proudly beside their high school counterparts, many of them experiencing their first provincial-level press conference. High school teams carried years of writing experience and were visibly ready to take on the more technical categories.

Schools like Solano High School, Our Lady of Fatima School in Villaverde, and several district elementary schools were among the notable groups seen preparing early, with students rehearsing scripts, finalizing layouts, and reviewing writing techniques while waiting for their contest schedules.

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Inside the DSPC Competitions

The competitions followed the official guidelines set by the Schools Division Office under DM No. 66, s. 2025. Students competed in the Best School Paper categories for both elementary and secondary levels, as well as individual writing events such as news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, sports writing, and photojournalism. Technical contests like copyreading and headline writing added to the pressure, especially for participants aiming for regional qualification.

Broadcast journalism teams also had their moment, guided by a separate memorandum detailing the mechanics for radio and TV broadcasting. Observers noted how prepared the teams were, with many arriving early to rehearse their delivery, adjust equipment, and coordinate their production flow. The atmosphere inside the broadcast rooms was a mix of nerves and excitement, as teams aimed to deliver clean, compelling, and well-timed performances.

Throughout the two-day event, the energy in Villaverde never dipped. Contest rooms were filled with focused writing sessions, while hallways echoed with advisers encouraging their students to stay calm and give their best. Even during breaks, participants exchanged stories and strategies, creating a sense of camaraderie among young journalists.

Announcement of Results and Reactions

The announcement of winners, officially released through Division Bulletin No. 008, S. 2025, was met with cheers and emotional moments as schools learned which of their students qualified for the Regional Schools Press Conference. Teachers embraced their contestants as names were called, and several groups were seen celebrating quietly in their corners, taking photos with medals and certificates as lasting reminders of their hard work.

For many schools, the DSPC is more than a competition. It is an opportunity to measure their journalism programs, celebrate the talents of their young writers, and reaffirm the importance of responsible storytelling. The results carried extra significance this year because the level of competition was visibly high, with strong entries from both elementary and high school participants.

Why DSPC 2025 in Villaverde Stood Out

This year’s DSPC gained attention for a number of reasons. First, the scale of participation demonstrated that campus journalism remains a thriving and valued program across Nueva Vizcaya. Second, Villaverde’s hosting offered a refreshing venue that balanced accessibility, organization, and community support. Third, the two-day schedule allowed contests to run smoothly, giving students enough time to perform at their best.

As the event unfolded, it became clear that Nueva Vizcaya continues to invest deeply in cultivating young journalists. Advisers guided their teams with patience, volunteers provided steady support, and students showed maturity and passion in every category.

A Stronger Path Toward the Regional Stage

The 2025 Division Schools Press Conference in Villaverde ended on a hopeful note. Delegations returning to their municipalities carried medals, certificates, new friends, and renewed motivation. Those who qualified for the RSPC will now undergo intensive training sessions with their advisers, preparing to represent Nueva Vizcaya at the regional level.

For the rest, the experience itself was already invaluable. The DSPC gave them a real taste of newsroom work, storytelling, and competition. More importantly, it proved once again that the province has a strong and growing culture of student journalism that will continue to thrive in the coming years.

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