18/04/2026
๐๐๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ฆ: ๐๐๐-๐ข๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฒโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ
From the dim, four-cornered classroom to the dazzling stage of the 2026 Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC), two young journalists from the College of Education (COE) rose above the crowd as their names were called. Ffranzeigh Whreynetzka Gad-icon and Michelle Goday, who placed fourth and fifth in their respective categories, proudly carried the banner of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) among competing schools across Luzon.
For many students, journalism is often seen as a burdenโan added task on top of academic demands. But for Gad-icon and Goday, it became something far greater: an avenue for growth, purpose, and passion.
After excelling in the Regional Higher Education Press Conference, Ffranzeigh, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies, was determined to sustain her momentum at the Luzon-wide level. However, the week leading to the competition tested her limits. Academic requirements piled up, her responsibilities as VLPCC governor demanded attention, and illness drained her strength. Despite these challenges, she continued to hone her skills by serving as a speaker for high school students preparing for the Regional Schools Press Conference.
โI can say that was the most challenging coverage Iโve experienced,โ Ffranzeigh shared. Tasked with capturing ten compelling photos around Tuguegarao in just one hour and writing captions within thirty minutes, she worked against time and pressure. Interviewing residents became another hurdle, as many spoke Ibanag, but with the help of a friend who translated, she was able to gather the stories she needed.
As submission time neared, her hands trembled while rushing to complete her captions. With only seconds left, she managed to submit her outputs. โLord, kahit nasa top 10, okay na ako,โ she whispered. When her name was announced as Top 4, tears streamed down her faceโeach one reflecting the struggles she had overcome. She credits her coaches, mentors, family, and friends for supporting her journey.
Moments earlier, another name had echoed across the hallโMichelle Goday, Top 5 in Opinion Writing (Filipino). From a quiet classroom to the competitive halls of LHEPC, Michelleโs journey unfolded through persistence and discovery.
A Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, Michelle once considered herself an ordinary student until she was encouraged to join campus journalism. โAt first, it was just a calling from Ate Ffranzeigh. She convinced me to join,โ she shared. That invitation became the turning point that led her to a path where every word carried meaning and purpose.
Instead of rigid preparation, Michelle immersed herself in national and global issues, allowing current events to sharpen her perspective. During the competition, she tackled the morality of an AI wedding in the Netherlands. Her writing stood out for its clarity, depth, and convictionโproof that strong opinions are grounded in critical thinking and awareness.
When her name was announced, applause filled the venue. In that moment, her doubts, preparation, and determination converged into a single achievement. She now encourages aspiring campus journalists to believe in their voices and to write with courage and purpose. For her, journalism is not about titles, but about speaking the truth and shedding light on issues that matter.
Together, the journeys of Gad-icon and Goday show that student journalism goes beyond competitions and recognition. It is a calling shaped by resilience, conviction, and courage. From the classroom to the national stage, they continue to carry the banner of IFSU and CARโproving that their voices are meant to be heard beyond the four corners of the room.
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โ๏ธ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐ก-๐จ๐ฅ & ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐๐ง
