TUG, VC clinch medals at the 20th LHEPC

Four student journalists from Nueva Vizcaya State University's (NVSU) The University Gazette (TUG) and Varsity Courier (VC) emerged as top placers in the prestigious 20th Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) held at Batis Aramin Hotel and Resort from April 2-4, 2025.

Representing The University Gazette, Francis Lacquias, a former editor-in-chief and BSED-4 student, secured 1st place in News Writing (Filipino), showcasing his journalistic excellence. Meanwhile, Joseph Belon, a graphic artist and BSIT-3 student, placed 5th in Traditional Literary Graphics (English), demonstrating his artistic talent.

From Varsity Courier, Kaira Castro, a BECED-4 student, landed 10th place in Feature Writing (English), while Mark Justine Nalapo earned 10th place in Literary Graphics (Filipino), further proving the depth of talent among NVSU’s student journalists.

Several other campus journalists also qualified for the LHEPC, including Jaylord James Orden (BSCS-3) for Photojournalism (English), Princess Sheninah Cassandra Lictawa (BSED-2) for Column Writing (English), Ingrid Lianne Patong (BSED-3) for Poetry Writing (English) and Alnico Fernandez Jr. (BSCS-2) for Comic Strip Writing (English), highlighting the university’s strong presence in the competition.

Beyond the students' achievements, TUG advisers were recognized for their dedication to campus journalism. Mary Jean Bongcato and Dr. Mary Gay Aguila were honored for their five years of service to the Association of Luzonwide Tertiary Press Advisers (ALTPA), while Dr. Jenifer Raymond Tallungan received recognition for two decades of service.