Members of The Phenom, the official student publication of Cabarroguis Campus, emerged as winners at the 4th National Campus Journalism Convention. Held at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel from March 6 to 8, 2026, the event celebrated press freedom, literary craft, and journalistic excellence. It was attended by 386 students and advisers representing 60 schools across the Philippines.
Competing on a national platform is no small feat, and for an institution nestled in the mountainous province of Quirino, the stakes carry an even deeper weight. To stand shoulder to shoulder with delegates from dozens of schools across the archipelago and walk away with recognition is clear proof not only of individual talent, but of the culture of excellence that The Phenom has steadily cultivated within its ranks.
Jymwl Saladino, a BS Mathematics student, secured 2nd Runner-Up in Editorial Cartooning. It is a competing category that demands not only artistic precision but the ability to distill complex social and political ideas into a single, powerful image. Meanwhile, Hanna Franchette Kaye Agron, a BS Civil Engineering student, claimed the same distinction in Sports Writing, a category requiring sharp factual command, narrative flair, and the ability to capture the pulse of athletic competition on the page.
Rounding out the delegation’s achievements, Joanna Faye Torzar, a BS Computer Science student and Arian Barba, a BA English Language Studies student advanced to the Top 10 Finals of the highly competitive Quiz Bee, demonstrating a breadth of knowledge in various fields and outpacing hundreds of their peers in the process.
As the convention ended and the QSU delegation made its way home to the Cagayan Valley highlands, they carried with them more than plaques and certificates. They carried proof that excellence in campus journalism has no geographic ceiling, and that The Phenom is a name the nation is beginning to know.
The University, led by Dr. Alfonso R. Simon, OIC-President, warmly congratulates the winning team of students and coaches from The Phenom-Cabarroguis for their commendable performance in the national convention.
Sincere appreciation and gratitude are extended to the Provincial Government of Quirino under the leadership of Hon. Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua and Hon. Congresswoman Midy N. Cua, for their full support that made this national participation possible.
Special recognition goes to Ms. Novelyn Mitra, Publication Adviser; Ms. Abegail G. Teodoro, Co-Adviser; Dr. Wilyn S. Marzo, Director of Student Affairs and Services; and Mr. Baltazar G. Damance, Campus Administrator, whose steadfast institutional support laid the groundwork for these achievements.
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Credits:
Article contribution: Ms. Abegail G. Teodoro
Photos: The Phenom
