The Oracle bagged multiple recognition at Araw ng Parangal 2025.

Report by Mary Ruth Orendain | Photos by Julyanna Lyde Denise Bautista

The Oracle, the official student publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), were honored for public service, digital engagement, and journalistic excellence during the Araw ng Parangal 2025, held on June 13 at Priscilla Hall, TSU Hotel, Lucinda Extension Campus.

Commended for its commitment to campus journalism and community engagement, The Oracle received a Special Recognition for Public Service and successfully reclaimed the Special Citation for Social Media Presence, an award it had not received for two consecutive terms.

Among the institutional recognitions was the acknowledgement of the publication’s executives, for steering The Oracle throughout the academic year: Angilene Dableo, Editor-in-Chief; Jayane Feliciano, Associate Editor-in-Chief; and Mary Ruth Orendain; Managing Editor, along with their adviser Assoc. Prof. Ma'am Jazzel Manalo.

Moreover, four staff members of The Oracle were likewise included in the Roll of Awardees for Journalism Competitions, following their successful participation in the Luzon-wide Annual Outstanding Campus Press Awards (AOCPA). Awardees Julyanna Lyde Bautista, Cenon Pineda, Joaquin Umali, and Chino Brendon Tangonan represented the publication across various journalism categories.

Editor-in-Chief, Dableo, also reflected on how this year felt particularly significant: “I think this is the first time in a while that many Oracle members were able to attend the Parangal. Last year, only Jayane and I were there to receive the awards, and it felt a bit disheartening. Because in truth, it’s always a team effort. This year, I told myself, let’s make it different.”

For the publication, the return of the Social Media Presence award marked a deeply personal and symbolic moment. “Before, The Oracle would consistently receive the Best in Social Media Presence award every year…it felt like something was missing. That’s why I’m genuinely happy that it was brought back this year, unexpectedly and without anticipation.” she shared

She added that the team did not expect recognition from the Parangal this term, which made the moment even more meaningful. “Our only goal was simple: to maintain our daily posting and avoid being shadowbanned again, ang hirap ma-shadowbanned ah!” she added in jest.

The Oracle’s journey this year wasn’t without doubts. “Some people said we wouldn’t make it through the term because the team was young and full of new faces,” she revealed. “But instead of being discouraged, I took that as a reason to believe in them even more.”

She credits their growth to the support of each other and to their adviser, Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli E. Manalo who remained a steady pillar throughout the term. “Even with her busy schedule, she always found time to support us, especially during competitions. We were never alone.”

Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli E. Manalo shared, “It was overwhelming. Seeing The Oracle fulfill the targets we set gave me a sense of fulfillment. I cheered for the publication on the sidelines during the first semester because you were able to push through with the plans even if I was no longer your adviser. And now that we have been reunited this second semester, I feel really proud to have seen everyone working diligently to sustain quality student journalism."

"I share this journey with Prof. Russell Arador, who stood by you on your first sem. I also thank him for supporting the implementation of plans that started last term.” Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli E. Manalo added.

That spirit of change and inclusion bore fruit. “We did our best—everyone did,” Ms. Dableo said. “We opened doors beyond the campus. We reached UST for a national competition, went to La Salle, and joined AOCPA again. But more than the awards, what truly made me proud was seeing our members at the Parangal. That, for me, was a real accomplishment.” she added

“At the heart of it, campus journalism is more than medals or recognition. It’s about learning, growing, and showing up,” she emphasized. “That has always been the goal; to expose them to experiences, to challenge them, and to help them become not just better campus journalists, but more confident and purpose-driven individuals,” Ms. Dableo added.

As the curtains close on Academic Year 2024–2025, The Oracle continues to champion the ideals of truth-telling, public service, and student empowerment, not through mere accolades, but through the lives they shape and the stories they dare to tell.