Cadet journalists from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) won the Digital Magazine Publishing overall championship and first place in the I-DOCUmento event at the 17th National Campus Media Conference (NCMC) 2026, competing against delegates from 126 schools and universities, according to a PMA press release issued November 9, 2026.
The conference was held at Crown Legacy Hotel in Kisad, Baguio City, from October 22 to 24, 2026. A total of 1,353 delegates representing 18 regions of the Philippines competed across multiple campus journalism disciplines.
I-DOCUmento First Place Team
The PMA's top finish in the I-DOCUmento event was claimed by a four-cadet team: 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 — all identified in the press release with the CCAFP designation.
Digital Magazine Publishing Overall Championship
The PMA contingent won several individual awards in the Digital Magazine Publishing category as well as the overall title. First Class Angelica D. Baccay took first place for Best Feature Writer, while First Class Karol Jean M. Gepolani won first place for Best Layout Artist, according to the PMA press release authorized by LCDR Jesse Nestor B. Saludo PN, Chief of the PMA Public Affairs Office.
First Class Joseph C. Olalo placed second for Best Photojournalist, and Second Class Romel O. Castro placed third for Best News Writer. The overall championship was awarded to the team composed of Cadet First Class Gepolani, Cadet First Class Olalo, Cadet First Class Baccay, and Cadet Second Class Castro.
Profile Feature Category Placements
In the Profile Feature Category, Cadet First Class Angelica D. Baccay placed fourth for Best Feature Story, while Cadet First Class Mark Lester R. Gratil placed 10th for Best Photo. The trio of Baccay, Gratil, and First Class Karol Jean M. Gepolani collectively placed fifth in the Overall Profile Feature Category.
Other Individual Awards
Several other PMA cadets earned placements in individual competitions. Cadet First Class Dionellyn Grace Libatique placed fifth in Poetry Writing (English), and Cadet First Class Carl Miguel Y. Rambaud placed ninth in Editorial Cartooning (English). 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 placed fourth.
PMA Frames Journalism as a Defense Competency
In its press release, the PMA described the NCMC results as reflecting the Academy's continuing efforts to develop cadets beyond traditional military training demands. The Academy stated that "modern warfare extends beyond the kinetic battlefield, with information itself becoming a critical domain of conflict."
The PMA said it views the development of effective communicators as essential to equipping future AFP officers with "the ability to navigate the complex information environment, communicate with credibility, think critically, and counter disinformation." The Academy described these competencies as necessary for future officers to "lead effectively, uphold public trust, and respond to the challenges of modern warfare."
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of LTC Jabagat Prof / Philippine Military Academy