Cadet journalists representing the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) brought home two major prizes at the 17th National Campus Media Conference (NCMC) 2026, clinching the overall championship in Digital Magazine Publishing and first place in the I-DOCUmento competition, the Academy announced in a press release dated November 9, 2026.
According to the PMA press release, the NCMC was hosted at Crown Legacy Hotel in Kisad, Baguio City from October 22 to 24, 2026. The event drew 1,353 delegates from 18 regions, representing 126 schools and universities competing across various campus journalism disciplines.
I-DOCUmento First Place
The PMA's first-place finish in the I-DOCUmento event was secured by a four-member cadet team, all carrying the CCAFP designation as identified in the press release: First Class Jeriz Bernard D. Catacutan, First Class Dionellyn Grace G. Libatique, Second Class Bede Nicolo B. Banog, and Second Class Roegealle Loece E. Cartagenas.
Digital Magazine Publishing Championship
The PMA press release, authorized by LCDR Jesse Nestor B. Saludo PN, Chief of the PMA Public Affairs Office, listed the Academy's individual awards in Digital Magazine Publishing as well as the overall title in that category. First Class Angelica D. Baccay took first place for Best Feature Writer, and First Class Karol Jean M. Gepolani won first place for Best Layout Artist.
First Class Joseph C. Olalo earned second place for Best Photojournalist, while Second Class Romel O. Castro finished third for Best News Writer. The overall championship team was composed of Cadet First Class Gepolani, Cadet First Class Olalo, Cadet First Class Baccay, and Cadet Second Class Castro, the PMA said.
Profile Feature Category Results
In the Profile Feature Category, Cadet First Class Angelica D. Baccay placed fourth for Best Feature Story, and Cadet First Class Mark Lester R. Gratil placed 10th for Best Photo, according to the PMA press release. The trio of Baccay, Gratil, and First Class Karol Jean M. Gepolani placed fifth collectively in the Overall Profile Feature Category.
Additional Individual Placements
The PMA press release also noted several other individual finishes. Cadet First Class Dionellyn Grace Libatique placed fifth in Poetry Writing (English), Cadet First Class Carl Miguel Y. Rambaud placed ninth in Editorial Cartooning (English), and Cadet First Class Vinz Perrie A. Barlas placed ninth in Political Commentary (English).
In Mobile Photojournalism, the team of Second Class Lei Angelo A. Valencia and Cadet Second Class Quennie Pearl B. Quinal finished in fourth place.
Academy Ties Journalism to Military Readiness
In its press release, the PMA stated that "modern warfare extends beyond the kinetic battlefield, with information itself becoming a critical domain of conflict," framing the NCMC results within the Academy's broader program of developing cadets in areas beyond traditional military training.
The Academy further said it regards effective communication skills as essential for future AFP officers, citing the need for them to possess "the ability to navigate the complex information environment, communicate with credibility, think critically, and counter disinformation." The PMA described these capabilities as necessary for future officers to "lead effectively, uphold public trust, and respond to the challenges of modern warfare."
Source: Philippine Military Academy