SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 1 is teaming up with various partners to ensure a seamless and secure 2024 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in the Ilocos Region.
The event, slated from April 10 to 12 at the Saint Paul College in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, will bring together talented elementary and secondary school journalists from across the region.
Following a recent encounter between armed forces and New People's Army rebels, DepEd Region 1 has moved swiftly to assuage concerns about participants’ safety.
They have assured student journalists, coaches, and guests that their well-being is paramount.
Dr. Johnson Sunga, DepEd-Region 1 education program supervisor, took steps to reassure the public.
He highlighted that the chosen venue is situated far from the location of the clash and that security assessments have already been conducted.
"A collaborative effort has been undertaken by the Office of Civil Defense in both the Cordillera Administrative Region and Region 1 to assess the area. They have produced a joint report that confirms our initial assessment – the venue is safe due to its distance from the encounter," explained Dr. Sunga.
DepEd and the provincial government of Ilocos Sur have emphasized their commitment to providing ample support from the community and local police force.
"Governor Jeremias Singson has pledged to ensure a visible police presence in the designated billeting areas (quarters) and contest venues," said Dr. Sunga.
"Furthermore, we are working closely with barangay officials to guarantee a safe environment for everyone involved," he added.
This year, participants will be dispersed across public schools in the towns of Bantay, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Sta. Catalina, and Caoayan to serve as billeting areas.
The 2024 Region 1 RSPC serves a critical purpose: identifying the most skilled campus journalists who will represent the Ilocos Region at the National Schools Press Conference.
The region hopes to not only improve its overall placement but also potentially secure a coveted spot among the top five winners this year.
The event will be a platform for these young journalists to showcase their talents and compete for the opportunity to represent their region at the national level. (JCR/AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
