VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — Amid stiff competition and the nation’s top campus journalists, The Tributary, the official student publication of Leandro G. Japos National High School, stood tall as the lone victor from Davao Oriental in the recently concluded 2025 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held in Vigan City on May 21, 2025.

The publication clinched third place in the Best Editorial Section under the School Papering Category, marking a historic milestone not only for the school but also for the entire Division of Davao Oriental, which had only one qualifier in this year’s national contest.

“We are immensely proud. This is not just a win for our school, but for the entire province,” said Marbin Gesher Jay Deniega, school paper adviser of The Tributary, who was present during the awarding ceremony alongside assistant adviser and Assistant Principal II Rustom P. Clemente and Loreleh A. Oquinan, one of the editorial mentors.

This year’s win is a culmination of months of rigorous preparation, sharpened by the publication's outstanding performance in the 2025 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), where The Tributary brought home four plaques of recognition. It topped the Editorial Section, placed fourth in Science and Technology, and landed ninth in both News and Features categories, securing its place in the national competition.

“This victory proves that hard work, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence pay off,” said Clemente. “Our young journalists have shown they can compete at the highest level.”

This was not the publication's first foray into the NSPC. Last year, The Tributary qualified for the national stage in Cebu City but failed to land a spot. This year’s win, however, marks a redemption that made the victory even sweeter.

“This time, we promised ourselves we wouldn’t go home empty-handed,” said Grade 12 editor-in-chief Sitti Quibo. “We poured our hearts into every article, every layout. We wanted this not just for us, but for all aspiring writers back home.”

With only one winner from the entire division, the triumph of The Tributary shines even more brightly, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for other campus journalists in the province.

“We hope this achievement inspires other young writers from small schools like ours. Great things are possible with passion and perseverance,” said Mr. Deniega.

The win has stirred pride across the Davao Oriental community and highlighted the importance of campus journalism in empowering youth voices and promoting truth, critical thinking, and creativity.