Student journalists of the University of Northern Philippines secured multiple awards at the 17th National Campus Media Conference held on October 22–24, 2026, at Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City.
New Tandem, the official student publication UNP, secured overall second place in Digital New Media – Profile Feature, English, and overall fourth place in Profile Feature, English, while its broadcasting arm, The Northern Times, ranked eighth in Script-to-Air Online Broadcasting, English. The achievements came at the 17th National Campus Media Conference which brought together 1,353 student journalists representing 126 universities and colleges nationwide, highlighting the competitive spirit and journalistic talent of campus media practitioners in the country.
The student journalists also earned individual distinctions in various categories. Venice Anne Navarro secured third place in Developmental Communication Writing – Filipino, followed by Lhoreyn Aguimbag, who placed sixth in Political Writing – Filipino, and Pauleen Hilario, who finished seventh in Sports Writing – Filipino.
In the Digital New Media category, Kate Refuente earned second place as Best Reporter, while Cris Niño Planta and Ma. Cassandra Villafania were recognized as Best Videographer and Video Editor and Best Scriptwriter, respectively. Meanwhile, New Tandem’s Profile Feature team garnered individual honors, with Althea Marie Rualizo placing fourth as Best Photojournalist, Jericson Vizcarra securing fourth place as Best Layout Artist, and Vienna Mary Victoriano finishing fifth as Best Feature Writer.
The Northern Times also received recognition, with Kate Refuente, Josen Balcac, and Jaysen Agaloos each placing fourth as Best News Anchor, Best Field Reporter, and Best Scriptwriter, respectively. Ariz Garringo completed the team’s list of awardees by securing eighth place in the Best Technical category.
The Bud, the official student publication of the UNP Laboratory Schools, also brought home national honors under the guidance of coaches Ms. Rose Jane Comilang and Mr. Jethro Raphael Panela. In the Junior High School Division, Janinah Yllyssa Roc secured second place in Editorial Cartooning – English. Meanwhile, in the Senior High School Division, Erielle Joyce Saraos emerged as champion in Photojournalism – English, Janiah Ysabelle Roc placed third in Poetry Writing – English, and Earl Jared Maling finished eighth in Editorial Writing – English.
The impressive performance of New Tandem, The Northern Times, and The Bud at the 17th National Campus Media Conference reflects the talent, dedication, and journalistic competence of UNP’s student media practitioners. Their achievements affirm the University’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, responsible campus journalism, and the development of a new generation of skilled and ethical media professionals.
