USM Delegates Now Certified Responders After Passing DMPR Exam
March 26, 2026
Known for its legacy in national journalism competitions, The Mindanao Tech, the official student publication of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), marked another milestone within a single month during two of the major campus journalism competitions in the country.
Facing 200 participants from across the nation, MinTech bagged 14 awards consisting of 3 golds, 2 silvers, 3 bronzes, 4 Honorable Mentions, a Bronze Institutional Ambassador recognition, and a Bronze Ambassador Award for Adviser during the 28th Word Cup Philippines on March 6–8 at Ating Tahanan, Baguio City.
Two weeks later, MinTech clinched another victory in the OSSEI National Conference on Campus Journalism & 20th Writing Competition, recording a total of 6 awards, with 3 golds, 1 silver, a fifth-place finish, an Honorable Mention, and one special participation recognition, held on March 23–25 at Baguio Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City.
Competing with over 24 participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the Philippines, this year’s OSSEI Competition marked the publication’s comeback after last participating in 2020.
MinTech adviser Loynei Frias Sumalinog conquered the advisers’ category during the 28th Word Cup Philippines, receiving the Bronze Ambassador Award for Advisers as well as an Honorable Mention in Science and Technology Writing.
Demonstrating excellence in the event, MinTech staffers were Shahera Kadatuan, Kenneth John Ferrariz, Junah Grace Castillo, Kier Benedict, Earl Caridad, Ailieza Luchavez, Solvi May Lallen, Krixian Paul Camilote, and Danille Jade Azucena.
Meanwhile, MinTech Editor in Chief (EIC) Karl Louie Labucay, Juan Rafael Dungo, Jose Pono Jr., Mariel Madayag, Carl Gian Calimbo, Ian Van Ancheta, and Alfrancis Capa comprised the team who participated in OSSEI’s individual events.
These achievements reflect USM’s pursuit of excellence through the empowerment of campus journalists, rippling forward to its constituents and community.
Text: Datu Ali Saudagal, MT News Writer
