The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Bureau of Curriculum Department (BCD) announces the conduct of the 2017 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) with the theme “Strengthening Freedom of Information through Campus Journalism” on January 22 to 25 in Pagadian City which will be graced by Secretary Leonor M. Briones, USEC for Administration, Alain Del B. Pascua and USEC for Curriculum and Instruction, Dina S. Ocampo.

Briones expressed in one of her speeches that “we have the right to know what is going on, the right to know of the developments but remembering that freedom always comes with accountability and responsibility that entails being truthful, accurate and unbiased.”

She further encouraged students to write more stories that would ignite nationalism and cultural pride.

Meanwhile, USEC Pascua pointed out in his message that “knowledge is not meant to be kept, instead it should be nurtured for everyone else to also learn from and appreciate.”

On the other hand, USEC Ocampo is her NSPC message emphasized “the highest standards of journalism that will allow information that leads to genuine public enlightenment.” In addition, she stressed that “when people have access to information, they are encouraged to actively participate in decisions that will affect them.”

The writers’ festival will feature different categories in journalism both in elementary and secondary.

NSPC is an activity pursuant to RA 7079 known as the “Campus Journalism Act” which advocates free and responsible journalism at the school level.

Furthermore, it encourages students to practice and hone their journalistic skills in writing and critical thinking while strengthening their ethical values and developing discipline.

The conference activities include-Individual Contest; Radio Script Writing and Broadcasting Contests; Collaborative Desktop Publishing Contest; Online Publishing Contest (exhibition for secondary level); and TV Script Writing and Broadcasting Contests (for secondary level).

The host region for this event is DepEd RO-IX, Zamboanga Peninsula.