Young Laguna Writers Shine in First-Ever Laguna PIO On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest 2026

 Young Laguna Writers Shine in First-Ever Laguna PIO On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest 2026

Celebrating the power of youth voices and creative writing, the Laguna Public Information Office successfully staged the first-ever Laguna PIO On-the-Spot Essay Writing Contest 2026 at the Cultural Center of Laguna on March 6, in line with the celebration of Anilag Festival Level Up 2026 and with the full support of the Provincial Government of Laguna, spearheaded by Governor Sol Aragones, who has a strong background in journalism and broadcast reporting before entering public service. The contest gathered nearly 180 campus journalists, student writers, and advisers from various towns across Laguna, who took on the challenge of crafting essays on the spot under the theme “Anilag Festival Level Up 2026 under a GOByernong may SOLusyon.”““The activity served as a platform for young writers to express their perspectives and creativity while highlighting the cultural significance of Laguna’s festival through the lens of the youth. It also strengthened collaboration between the provincial government and the education sector in supporting campus journalism and literary excellence among students.““Representing the Schools Division Office of Laguna, Dr. Orlando Valverde, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief, and Dr. Ruby Castillo, Education Program Supervisor in English, attended the event on behalf of Dr. Editha Atendido, Schools Division Superintendent.““In his opening remarks, Danilo Lucas, Head of the Laguna Public Information Office, encouraged the participants to continue nurturing their passion for writing and storytelling.“““Alam ko na lahat kayo ay mga campus journalist at winners na sa iba’t ibang larangan ng pagsusulat kaya magandang alaala ito para sa inyong mga darating na pagsubok sa buhay,” he said.““Meanwhile, veteran journalist Doland Castro, representing Governor Sol Aragones, delivered an inspirational message highlighting the importance of youth voices in telling stories that reflect culture, identity, and community, particularly through essays centered on the Anilag Festival.“““Nakakatuwa na makakita ng mga campus journalist na lilikha on-the-spot ng maikling sanaysay patungkol sa ating Anilag Festival. Sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga titik, naibabahagi ng ating mga batang Lagunense ang kanilang saloobin at damdamin, at naipararating sa sambayanan ang mga aral at pananaw ng kabataan,” he shared.““After the writing competition and evaluation, winners were announced across three categories.

““Elementary Category“

• 1st Place – Nathan Manuel Villegas – Macabling Elementary School“

• 2nd Place – Peter Paul Abe – Sto. Niño Elementary School“

• 3rd Place – Nicaella Marie Plamo – San Juan Elementary School

“Junior High School Category“

• 1st Place – Ryzee Tubino – Calumpang National High School“

• 2nd Place – Zianne Pural – Suba National High School“• 3rd Place – Kier Belmonte – Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School

“Senior High School Category“

• 1st Place – Yuan Nicolo Moreno – Balian Integrated National High School“

• 2nd Place – Francheska Gwynett Astudillo – Siniloan Integrated National High School“

• 3rd Place – Rey Micah Martinez – Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School 

The Laguna Public Information Office also extended its gratitude to the Department of Education, particularly the Schools Division Office of Laguna, the SDO Clusters, and the cluster superintendents for their continued support and partnership in the successful staging of the event.““Beyond celebrating the Anilag Festival, the contest also aimed to promote and strengthen the community of campus journalists in Laguna by providing them with opportunities to practice responsible and meaningful writing. Through initiatives like this, the provincial government hopes to encourage more young writers to use their voices and skills in communication to inform, inspire, and contribute to society.(Laguna-PIO)