Papin, Bonza named Libmanan’s Most Outstanding Campus Journalists in Gawad Leon Aureus; four others recognized

By Darius Salvador V. Deiparine

LIBMANAN, CAMARINES SUR — Mary Antonette A. Papin and Melan N. Bonza were named Libmanan’s Most Outstanding Campus Journalists at the Search for Gawad Leon Aureus for Outstanding Campus Journalism held at the Libmanan Sports Complex on August 29, 2026.

The event was part of Libmanan’s Youth Convergence (Linggo ng Kabataan) 2026, which recognized local campus journalists for their work and achievements in journalism.

Papin, a 17-year-old graduate of Homobono H. Gonzalez National High School, was named Most Outstanding Campus Journalist in the High School Category.

Her journalism journey began at Fundado Elementary School, where she worked as a feature writer under Collaborative Publishing. She later gained experience in news writing, copyreading, headline writing, and broadcasting.

Papin served as news anchor and editor-in-chief of The Sentinel for Academic Year 2025–2026. She also became the first circulations manager of the Libmanan Youth Press Club (LYPC).

In an interview with the College Artisans Bulletin (CAB), Papin reflected on the challenges of campus journalism.

“There is no easy path. You will make mistakes, face criticism, and sometimes question whether you’re good enough. But keep learning, keep writing, and keep showing up.”

Also recognized among the High School Top 4 were Al Francis Jeanne L. Pesico of San Isidro National High School, and Jane Saila A. Autor, Kathleen Heart R. Macatangay, and Martin Ian N. Delos Reyes, all of Homobono H. Gonzalez National High School.

In the College Category, Bonza, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics student at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture–Sipocot, was named Most Outstanding Campus Journalist.

Bonza began his journalism journey at Libmanan North Central School as a broadcaster for Ang Sentralista. He later became a writer and broadcaster for Ang Alingawngaw at San Juan National High School.

At the College Artisans Bulletin, Bonza served as broadcaster and scriptwriter in 2023, senior broadcaster and scriptwriter in 2024, and associate editor in 2025. He currently serves as broadcast and script editor.

In an interview with CAB, Bonza highlighted the role of journalism in society.

“The power of the pen and the media lies in their capacity to influence, challenge, and ultimately contribute to changing the society we live in.”

Before the awarding, the finalists underwent panel interviews on August 22, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Libmanan Municipal Hall.

The panel was composed of Allen Marc R. De Jesus of the BISCAST Collegian, Sakia May D. Ahito of the Camarines Sur Division Federated Supreme Secondary Learner Government, Loissa A. Naval of The Mariner, Ryan O. Mostar of The Bicol Mail, and Darius Salvador V. Deiparine of the Libmanan Youth Press Club.

Deiparine, convener and current adviser of LYPC, said the organization seeks to bring journalism beyond the campus and closer to the community.

“With our motto being ‘Magmatyag at Magpahayag,’ we believe that journalism should go beyond the campus because our communities deserve journalists who seek and uphold the truth with utmost integrity and responsibility,” Deiparine said.

The award carries the name of Leon SA Aureus, a Libmaneño whose wartime service, public leadership, and contribution to journalism remain part of Bicol’s history.

Aureus became a leader of the Tangcong Vaca guerrilla unit during World War II. Historical accounts identify him as an important figure in the guerrilla resistance in Camarines Sur. The Tangcong Vaca unit took part in battles against Japanese forces and in the liberation of Naga.

Following the war, Aureus became the first mayor of the newly chartered Naga City and served from December 1948 to December 1951. The City Government of Naga lists him as the city’s first mayor and presiding officer of its first Municipal Board.

Aureus also founded The Bicol Mail in 1953. The newspaper identifies him as its founder and describes him as a journalist, guerrilla leader, and public servant.

The award bearing his name was created to recognize young journalists from Libmanan and highlight the community’s connection to Bicol’s history of journalism and public service.

The initiative was made possible through the Local Youth Development Office, headed by Ivan Jay C. Valleno, and the Local Government Unit of Libmanan, with sponsorship from The Bicol Mail through Neil Aureus.

Photo credits: Darius Salvador V. Deiparine