Empowering Voices: SCPS introduces Special Program in Journalism

Published on March 3, 2025

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Surigao City Pilot School took a bold step in shaping the next generation of journalists by launching its Special Program in Journalism for Grade 4 learners this school year 2024-2025 to nurture young journalists and ensuring its legacy as the home of champions in journalism.

Surigao City Pilot School was making waves in education with the launch of its highly anticipated Special Program in Journalism.

Opening its doors to Grade 4 learners, the program was designed to foster the skills of future journalists.

This initiative built on SCPS's proud reputation for excellence in journalism, offering students an opportunity to hone their writing, reporting, and digital media skills from a young age.

The new program, which officially began this school year, welcomed students who passed a rigorous qualifying exam held on July 20, 2024.

Only those who had 90% or higher average in both English and Filipino were selected to join this exclusive program, setting the bar high for academic excellence.

Mr. Donald T. Arquiza, Principal III of SCPS, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-rounded students who are prepared for the challenges of an ever-changing digital landscape.

“This is the pioneering batch of our Special Program in Journalism, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s legacy.

These students will be our future journalists, and they will play a key role in representing our school in competitions and media,” he said during the orientation with the parents before the Qualifying Exam.

The SPJ program will offer Grade 4 students comprehensive journalism training, with special emphasis on hands-on experience through school publications, writing workshops, and collaboration with Division Schools Press Conference journalists training.

Students will be guided by Mrs. Krystell Lorenel A. Tuisa, the class adviser for the Grade 4 SPJ Class, and Mrs. Merian De La Cruz, the SPJ Coordinator of SCPS

To ensure the program’s effectiveness, SCPS has scheduled the first validation of the program for the first week of December 2024, led by Mr. Ricky Pedralba, the Education Program Supervisor for English.

This validation will assess the program’s progress and success in developing student skills in journalism.

SCPS’s new Special Program in Journalism is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of young journalists, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in media competitions and beyond.

As the program expands, SCPS continues to be a leader in offering innovative educational opportunities that empower students to excel in a variety of fields. With this new initiative, SCPS looks forward to producing a new generation of talented and skilled journalists ready to make their mark in the world of media.