By Dana Meryll Gapas

Outperforming students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Philippines, campus journalists from SIRMATA, the official college publication of MMSU, brought home two championships and one second-place finish at the 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention, held from March 9 to 11 in Manila.

Highlighting the life of a campus journalist and the courage to speak out, the team of Ryand Ugalde (BA Communication IV), Casmir Remyell Cadiente (BS Civil Engineering IV), and Gniro Vinz Pablo (BS Economics III) emerged victorious among 21 competing groups in the Documentary Vlog-Making competition.

With his election-related photo, John Lloyd Balantac (BS Civil Engineering IV) was also recognized as a champion out of 54 entries in the photojournalism contest. He captured a homeless man on the street with a campaign poster in the background, juxtaposing the stark disparity between political promises and lived realities.

Meanwhile, Benedict Jay Collado (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English III) was awarded first runner-up out of 34 competitors in the English sports writing contest. They were tasked to create an article for a Mobile Legends competition, an esports event of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Joining for the second year, Ugalde expressed pride in winning in the national campus journalism competition after SIRMATA failed to bring home an award in the previous edition. “Not securing a placement in last year’s edition made us vow a strong comeback,” he said.

“We dedicate this win to all young campus journalists who are still trying to take up space. Ultimately, this achievement goes back to the university for the constant support to us creatives,” Ugalde added.

The convention brought together a distinguished lineup of renowned journalists and experts, including former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, seasoned broadcast journalist Mr. Howie Severino, former head of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Ging Reyes, Broadcaster Jing Castaneda, sports broadcaster Paolo Del Rosario, and multi-platform journalist Jacque Manabat.

The three-day convention, which gathered 323 delegates from 51 competing secondary and higher education institutions, was organized by Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC) Philippines. TRAC is dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive development training, focusing on transformational, purpose-driven leadership that inspires real change.