Published February 07, 2026 by CSU-Gonzaga Paragon
Paragon, the official campus publication of Cagayan State University–Gonzaga, participated in the 22nd Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) held on February 4–6, 2026, at the NGN Gran Hotel, Tuguegarao City, where it placed 9th Best Performing School (Individual Category) and qualified four journalists for the Luzon wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC).
The three-day regional press event gathered campus journalists from 31 public and private higher education institutions across Region II, showcasing excellence in campus journalism through individual and group competitions.
Paragon’s overall individual performance was highlighted by Lenin Marx Siazon, who emerged as the 9th Individual Highest Pointer. Meanwhile, Leonard Jake Cabais and Vincent Carl Cabasug were recognized as 8th and 9th Most Outstanding Tertiary Campus Journalists in the Region, respectively.
In the individual competitions, Siazon posted strong finishes, placing 6th in News Writing (English), 3rd in Editorial Writing (English), and 2nd in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English). Vibien Aerah Soller clinched 1st place in Column Writing (Filipino), while Lucky Jewel Rabara secured 1st place in Photojournalism (Filipino) and 5th place in Poetry Writing (English).
Other notable individual results included Lyzette Kate Tajadao, who placed 6th in Feature Writing (English); Kriszelle Anne Gonzales, 6th in Feature Writing (Filipino); and Jasper Kent Ines, who ranked 10th in Sports Writing (Filipino). In visual and design categories, Leonard Jake Cabais earned 1st place in Editorial Cartooning (Traditional, Filipino) and 2nd place in Editorial Cartooning (Digital, Filipino). Vincent Carl Cabasug placed 8th in Infographics, while Carmela Calica finished 8th in Literary Graphics (Digital, English).
Additional Paragon participants in the individual events were Jet Siazon, Jhadee Sebastian, Rhea Jane Sadac, and Lyka Ascueta.
In group competitions, Paragon also made its mark. The publication’s Folio ranked 9th for Best in Content. In the Newsletter category, Paragon placed 8th for Best in News Page and 9th for Best in Feature Page. For the Tabloid category, the team garnered 6th place for Best in News Page and Best in Feature Page, along with 10th place for Best in Sports Page and 10th place for Best in Page Design.
Paragon publication adviser Dr. Louraine Chriscelle L. Seguritan shared that the team’s participation this year was not an easy feat, citing the limited time available to prepare group outputs and train for individual competitions. Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the crucial support of former editors-in-chief and Paragon alumni who shared their experiences and provided guidance to the competing journalists.
Dr. Seguritan extended her gratitude to Michael Crisostomo, Jah Amphia Ebreel Moreno, Scott Louie Pasion, and John Austin Viloria, as well as other publication alumni and the current Paragon staff, who continuously encouraged and cheered for the team. She likewise thanked CSU-Gonzaga Campus Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., for his unwavering support, and expressed appreciation to the parents, deans, and teachers who stood behind the student journalists.
With their strong regional showing, four Paragon journalists are set to represent CSU-Gonzaga at the Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference, scheduled to be held in March in Tuguegarao City, as they continue to uphold the campus’s tradition of excellence in student journalism.
Photos: Jhadee Sebastian
Graphics: Vincent Carl Cabasug