STA. LUCIA, ILOCOS SUR — The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Lucia, led by Mayor Joseph Simon B. Valdez, recently celebrated the remarkable success of its student-journalists who secured top spots at the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Ormoc City from April 13 to 17, 2026.

The municipality’s youth demonstrated exceptional talent on the national stage, bringing home awards in various categories:

• Calvin Red G. Visico of Teodoro Hernaez National High School clinched 1st Place in Column Writing (Secondary English). He was trained by Coach Jean Ishrael Dulay under the leadership of School Head Mr. Danilo Quitoriano.
• Natalia Lou I. Donato from Francisco Gat-eb I Elementary School earned 2nd Place in Photojournalism (Elementary Filipino). She was guided by Coach Kathleen Jade Dulay and School Head Mr. Froilan Guerrero.
• The THNHS Collaborative Team secured 4th Place in Collaborative & Desktop Publishing (Secondary Filipino). The team was mentored by Coach Julie Ann V. Gapang.

Mayor Valdez and the LGU extended their heartfelt commendations to the “young champions,” as well as the dedicated school heads, coaches, faculty, and supportive parents whose guidance was instrumental in these achievements.

The victory serves as a testament to the excellence and determination of Sta. Lucian learners, further solidifying the municipality’s reputation for nurturing high-caliber talent in campus journalism.