USM BatWISE Project win awards at International Research Festival
February 6, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) through the Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) gathered a total of 405 attendees who are campus journalists, coaches, and advisers for the PressLab Interschool Journalism Competition on February 06, 2026, at USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, the University President, joined the opening program where he described the activity as a historic milestone and a first of its kind. He expressed his gratitude to the participants for responding to the call and noted his vision of transforming PressLab into a festival in the coming years, to be known as the PressLab Summer Camp.
The University President, in his talk, shared his experience as a Sports Editor during his high school years, recalling that it was where he developed his “nose for news.” In his speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation alongside integrity in journalism.
“For innovation, as writers and artists, you can create IEC [information, education, and communication] materials through your skills in writing, photography, and other creative areas,” he said.
He further discussed the importance of fact-checking in today’s media landscape, stressing that student journalists must uphold integrity and commitment to truth. He underscored the responsibility to avoid spreading fake news or resorting to sensationalizing issues for monetization.
PressLab 2026 is designed to strengthen critical thinking, ethical reporting, and technical proficiency, equipping participants with the essential skills needed to navigate today’s complex and rapidly evolving media environment.
The delegates competed in different areas to wit, News Writing, Feature Writing, Opinion Writing, Sports Writing, Science and Technology Writing, Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning, Copyreading and Headline Writing, and Mobile Journalism.
Bai Zhaira Cambang, the adviser of the Regina Student Publication of Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC), shared that she and her students greatly enjoyed the experience.
“I am very satisfied with the results of the PressLab. Nameet niya [PressLab] ang aking expectations. Hopefully hindi siya matapos dito, at sana mas lumaki pa,” she underscored.
In another interview, Arn Crissin N. Garciano, a student journalist from Davao de Oro State College (DDSC), said that she felt very comfortable during the PressLab, as the facilitators were very accommodating and approachable.
“Although it took a little time because of some adjustments [in the program], overall, it was great… I and my friends look forward to join again next year and to see more schools joining,” Garciano remarked.
Meanwhile, Zia Beronilla, the coach for Copyreading and Headline Writing from Matalam High School, said that the competition was a fun and impactful initiative, especially for them preparing for the upcoming Regional Schools Press Conference.
Prof. Lloyd Anton Von M. Colita, the Chairperson of the event, expressed gratitude to the participants of PressLab. In an interview, he emphasized that it still feels surreal as PressLab began as a simple classroom activity for his students.
“I extend my sincerest gratitude to every delegate who accepted the challenge and became part of PressLab 2026. This marks only the beginning of more productive and meaningful engagements in the years ahead, all in the pursuit of responsible and transformative campus journalism,” Prof. Colita stated.
He mentioned that Presslab will become a regular event for student journalists and school paper advisers. He sees it as a platform to experiment new writing styles, explore innovative storytelling approaches, and learn through practice, just like in a laboratory.
“USM President Pimentel has already floated the idea of a camp-type edition of PressLab next year at USM. His show of support means a great deal to us at DELL,” he ended.
The competition also covered panel discussions with Atty. Rovi Kennth T. Ramos, the Legal Consultant of the Province of Cotabato, and Dr. Naomi G. Tangonan, a USM Professor Emeritus and DOST Lifetime Scientists.
PressLab 2026 is spearheaded by 4th year Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) students taking ELElec07 Language and Journalism, under the guidance of Prof. Colita. Winners of the competition will be posted on the PressLab 2026 Facebook Page and winning entries will be published through the ByLine Magazine.
