Manila, April 17 -- The Calabarzon Region reclaimed its crown as overall champion in the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) at the conclusion of the Department of Education's (DepEd) weeklong competition in Ormoc City, Leyte.

Metro Manila secured second place, followed by Cagayan Valley, Bicol and Central Luzon.

Calabarzon was the champion for nine straight years until 2023. Davao Region ended its reign in 2024, but Calabarzon still finished a respectable second and third in 2025.

In a news release, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara reminded campus journalists of the deeper purpose behind their craft.

"Sa bawat balitang isinulat ninyo, sa bawat katotohanang pinili ninyong ipaglaban, hinuhubog ninyo hindi lamang ang inyong sarili...