Manila's student communicators get their turn in the spotlight on November 12 and 13, when the Public Relations Society of the Philippines holds its 2026 National Student PR Congress at the ARG Theater of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Taft Campus. The two-day event, backed by Globe Telecom and with GMA Network as official media partner, carries the theme In Our PR Era: The Next Chapter of Your Story.
According to GMA Network, the congress brings together agency heads, broadcast executives, digital creators, and hundreds of students to examine how technology, changing audience behavior, and rising demands for transparency are reshaping the practice of public relations in the country.
Why the congress matters now
Public relations has moved well past press releases and press cons. The pressure for accountability that followed years of political turmoil, disinformation, and platform churn means young communicators inherit a profession where credibility is the scarcest resource. That is a message the PRSP's leadership presses hard.
“Public relations is evolving faster than ever, and our students need to understand that the profession goes far beyond writing press releases or managing social media accounts. It is about understanding people, earning trust, navigating complex situations, and knowing how to use communication to create meaningful impact,” said Steve Michael Moore Jr., chair of the 2026 National Student PR Congress and Student Grand Prix.
Moore added that the congress wants students to see the different directions a PR career can take, and to recognize the responsibility that comes with every story they tell.
Who is speaking
The speaker roster reads like a who's who of Philippine communications. Industry veterans include Norman Agatep, APR, CEO of Grupo Agatep; Ritzi Ronquillo, APR, IABC Fellow; Ramon Isberto, APR, consultant of Media Quest; Ma. Luisa Sebastian, APR, managing director of PAGEONE's Brownbag Communications; Kane Erol Choa, APR, ABS-CBN vice president for corporate communications; and Chito Maniago, APR, Globe Telecom's senior director and head of public relations and social impact.
They are joined by Belle Tiongco, IABC chairman; Rhea Ensamtan, president of MORES and Kantar Media director; veteran sports broadcaster Severino Sarmenta Jr.; and Momentum Research chairman Gary Dionisio.
From National Artists to podcast voices
Organizers have also invited creative and entertainment figures to widen the lens. National Artist Ricky Lee, media personality Kim Atienza, award-winning actor Romnick Sarmenta, actress Shuvee Etrata, and GMA program and creative director JC Rubio will share how storytelling works on screen and on air.
Two digital voices will anchor discussions on online influence: podcast host Inka Magnaye and creator Baus Rufo. Their presence reflects how far the industry has shifted toward creator-led communication, a trend visible worldwide. International trackers such as mySEO's roundup of major PR conferences now treat digital and AI-focused PR events as a distinct category of their own.
Rising practitioners Jedd Leano of Ardent Communications, Portia Amparo of Foodpanda, and Julianne Borje of Legion Protocol will also speak, offering students a view of careers still in motion rather than fully formed.
PRSP: integrity over technique
For PRSP President Ana Pista, APR, the congress is an investment in the next generation of professionals who will shape the industry's future.
“Preparing future PR practitioners means equipping them with more than technical skills. They must learn to think critically, act with integrity, understand the communities they serve, and recognize the influence their words and decisions can have. As the communication landscape continues to change, we need professionals who can adapt to new tools and platforms without losing sight of the trust at the heart of public relations,” Pista said.
She added that bringing students face to face with experienced practitioners creates openings for mentorship and a deeper appreciation of the profession's role in society.
Student Grand Prix puts theory to the test
Running alongside the congress is the 2026 PRSP Student Grand Prix, a competition that asks students to design creative, relevant, and effective campaign solutions for real communication challenges. It is a bridge between the academe and industry, letting students test their ideas before practitioners who will judge them as colleagues, not as examiners.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, through its Marketing Management department, hosts the event as PRSP's official academic partner. Industry support comes from Anytime Fitness, Hotel Benilde, Mang Inasal, Pag-IBIG Fund, and TARA.
FAQ
When and where is the 2026 National Student PR Congress?
It takes place on November 12 and 13, 2026, at the ARG Theater, Taft Campus of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila.
Who can join the Student Grand Prix?
The competition is open to students who want to apply public relations and strategic communication knowledge to develop campaign solutions for real communication challenges.
How can students register?
Interested students may register online through the official registration page of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, as reported by GMA Network.