The Pillar Publication, the official tertiary student publication of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), secured a total of 13 awards across various categories during the Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference - Eastern Visayas (RTSPC-8) 2024, held from April 3 to 6 at Visayas State University (VSU), Baybay City, Leyte.

Themed “The Student Press in an A.I world,” RTSPC-8 drew campus journalists from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Visayas. The event, hosted by VSU in collaboration with The Amaranth, VSU's student media organization, and supported by national and regional organizations including CampusJourn University, RTSPAA, Rappler’s MovePH, FYT Media, VSU's Department of Development Communication (DDC), UIMC, ADCEP Philippines, and PACE, facilitated a four-day media conference.

The Pillar Publication delegates clinched awards in individual and group categories, competing with 24 other student publications from the region. John Vincent Delola placed second in Copyreading and Headline Writing, and fourth in Investigative Writing - Filipino. Deniel Graciano and Gil Irinco secured second place in Editorial Cartooning and Opinion Writing Filipino, respectively, while Jerrymae De Guia placed fifth in News Writing Filipino.

In group categories, The Pillar Publication was the 1st runner-up in Best Newsletter and the 2nd runner-up in Best Social Networking Site. Additionally, they secured fourth place in Best News Magazine, Best Promotional Video, Best Short Film, Best Website, and Best Tabloid.

The BiPSU delegation, led by Mr. Fernando Quiroz Jr. and Ms. Florabelle Corpin, The Pillar Publication advisers, and Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino and Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin, coaches, represented the university.

RTSPC-8 featured notable speakers including Jeff Canoy, Chief of Reporters for ABS-CBN Integrated News, Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Rappler CEO, Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration team, Jamela Alindogan, international journalist, Reginald H. Gonzales, Lyceum of the Philippines Communication Program Chairperson, Ben Domingo Jr., retired professor from CLSU/UP Diliman, John Sitchon, Rappler's Regional Reporter, Anansa Dijan, FEU Communication Faculty, Aaron JP Almadro, Publishing Consultant of AJPA Media, Ronald Reyes, Regional Correspondent of UCA News, Manila Standard, and SunStar Philippines, Gianfranco Morciano, Director, Producer, and Co-Founder of 4Blues Productions Inc., Isabelle Mae Amora, instructor at VSU, Zachary Borromeo, Co-Founder of Pitik Bulag, Ricky Rosales, Broadcast Journalist and program Chairperson of CEU, Voltaire Tupaz, Co-Founder of FYT Media, Pia Ranada, Rappler's Community Lead, and Don Kevin Hapa, Rappler's Head of Data.

After a five-year hiatus, RTSPC-8 united 25 student publications from various SUCs and private HEIs in the region. The host university for the next regional media conference is yet to be announced.

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