10/08/2026
Project EXCEL Empowers Teacher-Implementers to Elevate Student Journalism Standards
(By Ms. Jedemae L. Costillas)
PASAY CITY β Teacher-Implementers of Project EXCEL from PCNSciHS, Jose Rizal Elem. School (JRES) and T. Paez Elem. School (TPEZ) gathered at Pasay City National Science High School AVR on August 8, 2026, for a special training-workshop under Project EXCEL, carrying the theme "Mentoring to EXCEL: Empowering School Paper Advisers through Collaborative Mentoring and Professional Development."
Organized through the joint efforts of Education Program Supervisor in English, Dr. Imelda B. Boquiren, and Education Program Supervisor in Filipino, Mrs. Rowela R. Cadayona, the initiative highlighted a shared commitment to elevating campus journalism standards across both language streams.
The program kicked off at 8:00 AM with an opening ceremony emceed by Mrs. Angelie C. Mariano. This was followed by the welcome address of Dr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, Principal of Pasay City National Science High School, setting a warm and encouraging tone that instantly put participants at ease. In his address, Dr. Familaran warmly welcomed attendees and took a heartfelt moment to express his deep gratitude to the two education program supervisors present. He acknowledged their early trust and guidance, honoring the opportunities they gave him long before he became a principalβmilestones that played a pivotal role in his professional growth and helped shape where he is today.
Following the opening, Dr. Boquiren discussed the rationale behind Project EXCEL and training's matrix design while Mrs. Cadayona introduced the resource speakers.
The training covered five technical series tailored to real-world publication. Opening the lecture series, Mrs. Myra R. Jaime tackles the Best Practices and Benchmark Strategies of Lead SPAs, where she shared proven organizational strategies and publication management techniques. Then transitioned into extensive Core Journalism & Advising Masterclass headed by Mr. Wilmor Pacay III. He hooked the interest of participants by opening the floor for advisers to vent and analyze common problems and barriers that the school paper advisers encountered in handling campus journalism in elementary and secondary. His lectures covered constructive peer feedback, ethical and legal advising standards, and techniques for crafting impactful editorials and columns. He emphasized that effective mentoring goes beyond fixing grammar or technical errors; it is about building critical thinking and integrity. He urged advisers to foster newsrooms where student journalists feel empowered to seek the truth while handling complex ethical boundaries.
The technical series wrapped up with The Blueprint of an Outstanding School Paper, presented by Mr. Mark Reniel L. Balolo, who focused on visual design, layout principles, and overall publication standards. He emphasized how strategic page design and clean graphic elements work together to create an engaging, print-ready newspaper that meets national campus journalism standards.
The event concluded with an open forum by Mr. Pacay and Mr. Balolo, followed by the presentation of certificates. Advisers headed home with fresh strategies to steer their respective publication teams for the upcoming Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2026.
