The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday called on campus journalists to take a more active role in combating misinformation and upholding truth, as it opened the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) amid growing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on the media landscape.

Speaking before more than 3,400 student delegates from across the country, DepEd Undersecretary Carmela Oracion stressed the urgency of principled journalism in an era defined by rapid information flow and evolving technology.

“Now more than ever, the role of the student-journalist is vital, for they are called to lead in fact-checking and to stand as defenders of verified, credible, and truthful information for the public,” Oracion said.

The annual gathering, organized by DepEd in partnership with the local government of Ormoc City, opened with a strong emphasis on accountability and critical thinking, positioning young journalists as frontliners against disinformation.

Oracion warned that while digital platforms and artificial intelligence have accelerated the spread of information, they have also heightened the risks of false or misleading content. She urged student journalists to remain grounded in accuracy and integrity in their reporting.

Keynote speaker and broadcast journalist Atom Araullo echoed the call, framing journalism as a public service rather than a competition.

“Ang journalism ay hindi isang competition. Ito ay isang serbisyo. Kapag may sakuna, may eleksyon, may katiwalian, kailangan may magsabi ng totoo,” Araullo said.

He also highlighted the limitations of emerging technologies, noting that while artificial intelligence can assist in content creation, it cannot replace the core mission of journalism.

“AI can generate content, but it cannot pursue the truth,” he added.

This year’s NSPC, themed “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag,” features a wide range of competitions spanning writing, visual journalism, and broadcast and multimedia, reflecting the evolving demands of the profession.

Beyond competition, the conference aims to reinforce the role of campus journalism in nation-building, as DepEd pushes young reporters to take on greater responsibility in shaping informed public discourse.