By Niña Christelle Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

The University Laboratory Schools (ULS) official pupil publication, MMSU’s ABC, received a Resolution of Commendation from the City Government of Laoag on August 27 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall, Laoag City, for its national achievement.

The commendation recognizes the publication's second-place finish in the Elementary Level (English Category) out of 169 participating school papers at the 2024 National School Press Conference (NSPC), held in Carcar City, Cebu, from July 8 to 12.

The commendation also highlighted the publication’s consistent excellence in previous years, including being named overall champion in the best school paper category last year, finishing first in the sports section and second in the SciTech page, and continuously ranked among the top schools in the nationals from 2016 to 2019. The City Government of Laoag praised the publication for its contribution to the accurate dissemination of information to the public and the fight against fake news.

Laoag City officials who conferred the commendation were Hon. Handy Lao, Hon. Enrico Ang, Hon. Jeff Ericson Farinas, Hon. Jaybee Baquiran, Hon. Juan Conrado Respicio II, Hon. John Michael Fariñas, Hon. Jason Bader Perera, Hon. Roger John Farinas II, Hon. Derick Lao, Hon. Roque Benjamin Ablan, Hon. Michael Christophe Agustin, Acting Vice Mayor Hon. James Bryan Alcid, and Acting Mayor Hon. Rey Carlos Fariñas.

In a statement, College of Teacher Education Dean Aris Reynold Cajigal expressed his gratitude, saying, “The commendation of the City Government is indeed a recognition of MMSU’s commitment and dedication to campus journalism. MMSU is honing academic skills and ensuring information is accurately presented to the public. The continuing development of pupils’ skills in campus journalism will eventually help reduce the proliferation of fake news.”

Representatives of MMSU, including ULS Principal Philistia Mercuria Bagayas and MMSU ABC advisers Mr. Seymor Ridon and Mr. Clyde Drexler Domingo, were present at the awarding ceremony.