THE Davao Region emerged as the champion of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in 2024. It was a victory that everyone dreamed of, yet few anticipated. In 2025, the Davao Region had one goal: to defend its title.
However, it did not go as planned. Davao Region finished in fourth place instead.
For three consecutive years, it had been among the Top 5, with the previous year marking its highest achievement. Ranking in the Top 5 among all regions in the country is no small feat; it represents a significant accomplishment.
Calabarzon was a formidable opponent to dethrone, as they had been the long-standing champions before the Davao Region claimed the title last year. This year, Calabarzon placed third.
Unexpectedly, the Caraga Region rose to the occasion and emerged as this year’s champion. It must be the same emotions Davao Region had last year. Let us consider the geographical context of these two regions.
Both regions hail from Mindanao. Once described as having a Human Development Index at a Sub-Saharan African level, Mindanao has proven that it produces talented individuals. For the last two years, two regions from Mindanao dominated the NSPC.
This challenges research and studies that suggest that the quality of basic education in Mindanao is lower than the national average or that students struggle more with literacy.
Examining the three regions, we find they share a common denominator: their leaders.
Regional Director (RD) Allan G. Farnazo leads the Davao Region. Assistant RD Rebonfamil R. Baguio was once the Assistant Regional Director (ARD) of Caraga Region, while RD Maria Ines Asuncion of Caraga Region previously served as the ARD of Davao Region.
Calabarzon’s RD Aberto T. Escobarte once led Davao Region as well, and the Assistant RD of Caraga Region is his brother. This connection suggests that leadership plays a crucial role, as the top regions in the NSPC have been guided by the same leaders.
Although they may have different leadership styles, these leaders possess certain characteristics that inspire a passion for journalism in students.
Some students have an innate ability to gather information and craft it into clear, persuasive stories. Others may not yet possess this skill but demonstrate a diligent desire to learn and improve, motivated by their aspiration to join campus journalism.
In either case, students need inspiration to awaken their potential, and these leaders serve as that inspiration.
For the Davao Region, this experience was not a defeat or a loss, but rather an opportunity to explore new possibilities. It is life’s way of showing that there are various approaches to achieving success.
There are ideas for a new approach to selecting students with potential, innovative training designs, and fresh ways to tell a story.
Nevertheless, the truth remains: the Davao Region has established itself as a consistent presence among the top regions in the country. With strong leadership from the regional director down to the teachers, it demonstrates that perhaps success requires the right timing.
Who was it that said timing is everything?