Aklan Mentor 

Outstanding School Paper Adviser 2016

by: Mary Minepher N. Bontogon

    He contributed significantly to the advancement of campus journalism in accordance with Republic Act 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. School paper adviser, Mr. Dennis E. Bontogon was chosen as an Outstanding School Paper Adviser of the Philippines 2016.

    The award was bestowed upon Mr. Bontogan by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Elementary Campus Paper Advisers (PAECPA) during the 2016 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Region XII.

    Signed by DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro, FSC, signed the Plaque of Merit states:

    “For exemplary performance of responsibilities in the development of journalistic skills among the student writers;

    ‘For dynamic leadership among the school paper advisers; and

    ‘For personal commitment in the fulfillment and promotion of responsible and free journalism.”

    The above statements embodied Mr. Bontogon as an adviser of school publication, The Pilot Star, by initiating various journalism writeshops for the campus journalists such as, school-based training, campus journalism academy and school-based press conference.  The fruition of which by the campus writers are 1st Place in News Writing (Filipino) in 2014 NSPC at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City and 3rd Place in Copy Reading and Headline Writing (Filipino) in 2013 NSPC in Ormoc City. A regional champion in Copy Reading and Headline Writing (Filipino) in 2012 Regional Schools Press Conference, 2nd and 3rd Places in Sports Writing (English) and Editorial Cartooning respectively in RSPC, and consistent top notcher in Division Schools Press Conference.

    The other awards Bontogon got related to journalism are as coach, Southeast Asian Minister of Education Organization (SEAMEO) in Hand Drawing Category, 2. The Philippine Center for Gifted Education (PCGE) Search for Mga Bagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan Award, 3. 2014 Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentor (ATOM), Outstanding Teacher of the District, and 4. Consistent Outstanding School Teacher.   

    Sir Dennis, as his colleagues fondly call him, is an accredited regional trainer for campus journalism who has actively conducted free writeshops for the school paper advisers and to Teacher 1 applicants so they can attain skills training as required for the application.

   Dennis is a Master Teacher 2 of the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School, Kalibo and the incumbent president of the Kalibo I District School Paper Advisers and PIO of the Division School Paper Advisers Association.

   As a writer and researcher, Bontogon unearthed and authored the Founding History of the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School and the history of the Barangay Calangcang, Makato, Aklan.  He also served as Associate Editor of the publication for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2015.

     Bontogon attributes the award to all the persons who have been blessings to him (family, school officials, colleagues, campus journalists and friends) and most especially for God’s mercy and compassion as “We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes,” as John F. Kennedy said./MP