In a recent media forum, Estigoy asked parents and guardians of NSPC participants not to get too wary about the peace and order situation of this year’s NSPC venue.

“We assure that the region (XI) is a safe place to go. We are not affected by what was happening in the nearby provinces. That was quite far from Tagum City and Davao (City),” she said referring to the much publicized “Ampatuan massacre.”

More than 3,000 delegates from 17 regions of the country including parents, guardians, coaches of NSPC participants will be attending this year’s one-week NSPC set from February 21 to February 26, 2010 in Tagum City.

In a statement, Tagum City local government has assured that peace and order is a primary concern that it is taking into utmost consideration in hosting the event.

Tagum City Police chief Guiseppi Geralde assured the safety of the participants and visitors saying “with all the security measures in place, Tagum is the safest place to live.”

Estigoy said NSPC is a gathering of top campus writers and broadcasters who are considered as “cream of the crop” in each school they are representing.

“They belong to the intelligent group of students,” she said.

Tagum City became this year’s NSPC host when it signified its interest to do so at the time when DepEd XI was in search for a local government unit in Davao Region that could support such event.

DepEd Tagum City Superintendent Nenita Lumaad said aside from ensuring safety, the local government of Tagum has purchased 3,000 pieces of foam mattresses which participants can sleep on during their stay at schools identified to house them.

Lumaad said Tagum City’s private schools are also supporting the event as venues of NSPC competitions and as quarters of participants.

Estigoy looked at Tagum City’s hosting of NSPC as culturally fit as it will coincide with the Musikahan Festival.

Estigoy cited NSPC guidelines which requires that it should be held at a venue where student can also pick up cultural lessons.

“The venue should also have cultural significance for the students,” she said.