The Oracle ranks 3rd Best Performing Publication at LAAB XIII

Report by Leean Margarette Magat | Photos by Wacky Dimyao, Leean Margarette Magat and Joaquin Umali

Displaying journalistic excellence and unwavering dedication, The Oracle secured the 3rd Best Performing Publication award at LAAB XIII, held on June 1 and 2, 2025 at the TSU Lucinda Extension Campus.

As the official student publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), The Oracle competed alongside other college publications in various individual and group categories, demonstrating competence across different media and journalism discipline.

In the end, CASS' college pub tallied 269 points overall, placing 3rd in the bid for the overall best performing publication of the conference. The Oracle garnered 233 points under the individual category, bagging the 1st place, while the publication ranked third in the group category with a total of 36 points.

Editor-in-Chief Angilene Dableo highlights resilience and collective effort as key to their achievement.

“During our one-week training, everyone really stepped up. We helped each other, shared honest feedback, and gave suggestions to improve in our individual categories. That openness made a big difference and reminded us that we’re never doing this alone.” EIC Dableo shared.

The graduating student-journalist also expressed gratitude to the extended support that the publication received during the preparation

She added, “We also reached out to people who could guide us, and we’re very grateful to the Office of Public Affairs for their support as well as to The Oracle Alumni, it really helped us grow.”

Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli E. Manalo-Manabat, The Oracle’s adviser, stated that she felt immense joy and pride over the achievement of the publication, being able to retain their ranking despite the setbacks that they faced.

“With the setbacks the publication had experienced, they powered through. I am immensely proud. Deep in my heart, I knew that The Oracle would perform its best.” Assoc. Prof. Manabat shared, further congratulating the members who represented the publication and the CASS.

“To the publication’s editorial board and staff, keep doing what you love, always hone your craft, and remember that what you do as student journalists is always for the benefit of the students. With each passing year, we always make sure to improve while keeping our feet grounded. Let us remain proactive bearers of truth as the voice of the students, especially on pressing issues.” She added.

Assoc. Prof. ended the interview by encouraging aspiring student-journalists of CASS to join The Oracle and publications that may serve as a gateway in honing their skills and experiences.

This is the second consecutive year that The Oracle has ranked 3rd in the conference, with last year having placed together with another publication.

LAAB is the annual journalism conference hosted by The Work, the official student publication of Tarlac State University, in collaboration with the Student Publication Unit and the Office of Student Affairs and Services. It serves as a platform for student-journalists to showcase their skills and engage in healthy competition across the university.