Campus journalists from various districts in General Santos City, including those from the General Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trades (GSCNSSAT), gathered for the inter-district training workshop held at Antonino G. Busano Sr. High School (AGBSHS) last Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The event brought together more than 600 student journalists and 81 coaches in a βmini-DSPCβ atmosphere designed to simulate the pressure and excitement of the upcoming Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2025.
Participants experienced real-time writing deadlines and timed submissions that tested their focus, time management, and ability to produce quality outputs under pressure.
The workshop featured lectures, mentoring sessions, and feedback from experienced speakers who guided the participants in improving their journalistic skills.
According to AGBSHS School Paper Adviser Jorgie P. Haw, the training aimed to strengthen the CJsβ writing abilities, address skill gaps, and foster teamwork, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.
βIt made me realize just why we should be even more prepared than we think we should beβespecially with time management, since, like us earlier, we had one hour to complete our articles,β said Johan Joel Esonsa, a Filipino news writer from GSCNSSAT.
Jillian L. Cabrera, a radio broadcaster from New Society National High School, also shared that she learned how to write effective scripts and make broadcasts more engaging.
The workshop concluded with an awarding ceremony recognizing the top five student journalists in the individual category and top three for the group events.
Consequently, numerous Tradean CJs showcased their excellence, starting with writing news, where Ammila Jhassy Jean A. Tagoon placed fourth in the Secondary English Division.
For Editorial Writing (Secondary English), Martina Drexie P. Mendoza took first place, while Liz H. Tabaldo ranked fourth in Pagsulat ng Editoryal (Secondary Filipino).
Carlyn Bless D. Malinao also secured fifth place in Pagsulat ng Column, while Angel P. Resaval placed fourth in Pagsulat ng Lathalain Secondary.
Under the Science and Technology Writing category, Koleen Valerie A. Palola finished fifth for Secondary English, and Carl Evan Magdaluyo placed fourth in Pagsulat ng Agham at Teknolohiya Secondary Filipino.
Furthermore, in Editorial Cartooning Secondary English, Tradeans dominated the stage, starting with Mc Andre D. Espinosa claiming first place, followed by Leigh Summer S. Villarin in third and Sabrina G. Esterioso in fifth.
Similarly, in the Filipino Secondary event, Amriona G. Aranas ranked third in Kartong Pang-editoryal, with Nathan John D. Sosobrado and Renyll B. Dadivas taking fourth and fifth places, respectively.
For Sports Writing English, Jon Raphael PacaΓ±a earned first place, and John Stephen A. Rabanos placed second.
In the Filipino category, campus journalists of GSCNSSAT earned their spots continuously, with Rodmer R. Lamis bagging first place in Pagsulat ng Balitang Isports, followed by Sean Aiken S. Clemeno in second and John Reve C. Yoro in third.
During the Photojournalism awarding, Ryan Jan O. Maureal secured first place, while Noraiza Siarot Tanting placed fourth.
Lastly, Cherry S. Malayon from Copyreading and Headline Writing Secondary Filipino secured the third spot.
For the Group Events, the Radio Broadcasting (English) team composed of Jake F. Cepe, Kamilah Sarsaba, Princess Ammie Berame, John Paul Piamonte, Daniella Sarino, Kisslie Galilon, and Jose Miguel Nebres finished third.
In Radio Broadcasting (Filipino), the team composed of Julie Andree Yway, Princess Agpangan, Zaicy Hapulas, Joseph Valencia, Xandrix Mendoza, Jay Ruel Concepcion, and Eric Tano placed second.
Overall, the inter-district training workshop successfully prepared campus journalists for DSPC 2025, embodying the spirit of R.A. 7079 also known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which promotes responsible and ethical journalism among students.