NINGAS NG KAALAMAN. NAGBIGAY ALAB SA SIKLAB NG KATARUNGAN. 

On April 24-26, The HERALDO FILIPINO–the official student publication of De La Salle University – Dasmarinas–hosted “SIKLAB: Alab ng Paninidigan Tungo sa Makamasang Pamamahayag,” marking the long-awaited return of the Lasallian Press Schools Conference after five years. The event featured Lasallian institutions nationwide, providing delegates an opportunity to learn from journalism professionals and share their experiences with fellow campus journalists. 

Featuring renowned speakers—namely Ms. Jennalyn “Cha” Aguilar, Mr. Irlo Ladera Dumo, Mr, Julius Segovia, Mr. Lance Mejico, and Cartoonist Zach—the conference equipped delegates with valuable insights into the journalism profession. Rep. Sarah Elago of the Gabriela Women’s Party, KTAP National Convenor Gabriel “Brell” Lacerna, and Rep. Antonio Tinio of the ACT Teachers Partylist also took the stage to tackle societal issues. They encouraged campus journalists to consistently uphold their integrity amidst the current grim state of press freedom in the country. 

History of LSPCon 

The Lasallian Press Schools Conference (LSPCon) is the annual gathering of the student publications across all Lasallian institutions nationwide. While the event is a competition in nature, designed to test the skills and experience of every Lasallian campus journalist, it primarily aims to celebrate the passion that drives them and hones them into masters of the craft. Conceived in 2005, with De La Salle University – Manila as the pioneer host, the conference has solidified a rich history of honing the abilities of countless campus journalists and reminding them of the profession’s true essence.

Now in its 21st year, the embers and sparks that remained dormant have once again roared to life, reigniting the fire inside every Lasallian student journalist with immense ardor and drive. The torches that guided them have led them back to the arena where the brightest minds are tested and celebrated—a journey that helps them navigate the unpredictable and evolving world of journalism. The event stands as a bastion of ideas and a beacon of hope for achieving press freedom, shedding light despite the abhorrent treatment of journalists in the country. The path may be treacherous, battered by the tragedies of silenced truth-tellers, but the conference reminds young journalists that the flames inside them will never fade, and that today’s society needs them more than ever. 

The Current State of Press Freedom 

Journalism is a calling that opens the mind and amplifies a keen sense of curiosity to find the stories that matter. The pen, a simple tool that changed the world, is now a weapon against the void of censorship that threatens journalists at any moment. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index commissioned by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries, citing it as one of the most dangerous places for journalists. The report revealed that constant “red-tagging”—the act of baselessly associating the press with communist-terrorist groups such as the New People’s Army—is frequently used to silence them. 

This is the current reality of the press in the country as with the case of Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a 26-year-old journalist arrested on February 7, 2020, after being accused of funding terrorist groups. Cumpio herself testified multiple times that the evidence was planted, but her voice was silenced and her freedom was ultimately denied. On January 22, 2026 she was convicted of “financial terrorism,” facing a 12- to 18-year prison sentence. 

The story of Frenchie Mae Cumpio is a testament to the humane treatment of the press. KTAP National Convenor Gabriel “Brell” Lacerna, also representing the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), addressed this issue in his speech, citing the hundreds of journalists under constant threat. Lacerna offered hope to the delegates by advocating for the approval of House Bill No. 8178, or the Campus Press Freedom Bill, authored by Rep. Leila De Lima. The bill aims to protect young journalists and ensure that state forces cannot interfere with their work, preventing another “Frenchie Mae Cumpio” from enduring the same hardship once again. 

Blood continues to spill across the land, with the recent tragedy of the Negros 19 victims looming with despair. RJ Ledesma, a professional journalist and one of the victims, was an alumnus of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Numerous members of the Lasallian community, including all participants of SIKLAB, offered a moment of silence and paid tribute to Ledesma and all the victims of the Negros 19 tragedy. Rep. Elago and Rep. Tinio extended their sincere condolences and support, promising to help the victims’ families achieve justice and to push for policies that protect journalists in the field. 

The Culmination and Future Ahead 

Over the course of three days, Lasallian campus journalists representing their respective student publications— Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, Ang Layag – Opisyal na Publikasyon ng La Salle College Antipolo, The Lasallian, Benildean Press Corps, Ad Astra, TINIG Publication, The Spectrum, LAVOXA Group of Publications, TINGOG Publication, Punto Verde, and Vicissitude—came together not to outshine one another, but to challenge themselves as journalists grounded in Lasallian values. The knowledge imparted by the speakers became the coal that fired up their torches even brighter. Through every click of the shutter, every color and shade of their illustrations, and the curation of words from their thoughts, every single participant  proved their worth. 

As the event came to a close, they brought home not only certificates and trophies, but also invaluable insights into what it takes to be a member of the press. The torches that guided them from the start continue to burn ablaze, keeping the spirit of journalism alive for the times ahead. The return of the Lasallian Press Schools Conference is a testament to the enduring call to serve the people and the hope of achieving a just and fair society. By practicing pro-people journalism, the campus press can uplift the nation toward a brighter future, sparked by the embers of one another.

This article is brought to you by LSPCon 2026.