For years, predictions about the decline of print newspapers have accompanied every major technological shift. As digital platforms reshaped how people consume information, many questioned whether journalism, particularly student journalism, could continue to thrive and whether a new generation would still choose to tell stories grounded in truth and public service.

At De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, those questions are being answered by students who have embraced journalism not as a fading tradition but as a meaningful calling.

Driven by a commitment to ethical storytelling, The Benildean Press Corps (BPC), the college's official student journalists organization, recently earned international recognition at the 2026 Gold Quill Awards in Canada. The publication brought home the prestigious Sharon Berzok Student Award and multiple Awards of Merit, making Benilde win 19 awards in total.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, BPC editor in chief Ryzza Ann Gadiano and layout editor Hiro Odamaki reflected on what the milestone means for student journalism and how a college without a journalism degree program reached the global stage.

For Ryzza, the application process was familiar territory. The organization had previously joined the Philippine Student Quill Awards, whose submission format closely mirrors that of the Gold Quill Awards.

"The application process was not entirely new to us," she said, explaining that their experience with the local competition helped them prepare submissions that met international standards.

More significant than the recognition itself, she said, was what it represented. "Being recognized among the 19 winning entries is a significant achievement for us, especially as an institution without an academic program dedicated to journalism," she said. "More than an award, this recognition affirms that student-produced work can stand alongside the distinguished works of communications professionals from around the world."

Among the publication's biggest wins was “Horizons: Remnants,” BPC's official art and design folio for academic year 2024-2025, which received the Sharon Berzok Student Award and an Award of Merit in the Publications Division.

For Hiro, one of the project's proponents, the folio resonated because it transformed personal experiences into a visual narrative. Although “Remnants” explored themes of loss and unfinished chapters, the team intentionally paired its melancholy subject with bright, vibrant visuals that reminded readers of the joy attached to memories left behind.

"Everyone has their own loose ends," he said. "Overall, these aspects, coupled with the sheer creativity and technical skill the students imparted to this project, made for a body of work we are truly proud of."

The publication also received Awards of Merit for two feature stories from The Benildean: Impulse. According to Ryzza, both articles succeeded because they looked beyond familiar topics and explored their deeper human impact.

“Ghost(ing) hunt: In search of an emotionally distant generation” examines the emotional realities behind modern dating, while “The politics of nepotism: How 'nepo babies' rule the Philippines” explains a widely discussed political issue through the Philippine experience.

"They didn't just present information," she said. "They told stories that made readers understand why these issues matter."

The international recognition builds on Benilde's three consecutive years as School of the Year at the Philippine Student Quill Awards. Hiro believes the achievement reflects a culture built on mentorship, collaboration, and learning through experience rather than a formal journalism curriculum.

"The spirit of journalism is alive in every academic institution, and learning does not have to be in a classroom," he said.

Looking ahead, the team plans to use the $500 Sharon Berzok Student Award scholarship to invest in seminars, professional networking opportunities, and better equipment that can further develop members of the Student Publications Unit.

For Ryzza, however, the greatest reward goes beyond trophies.

"I also hope this inspires current and future student journalists to continue pursuing meaningful stories and to never underestimate the impact of student journalism," she said. "Awards are never the end goal, but they remind us that with dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical storytelling, student work can stand alongside that of communications professionals from around the world."