DepEd spotlights skills-based learning at 2026 National Festival of Talents

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday opened the 2026 National Festival of Talents (NFOT) in Roxas City, Capiz, highlighting the role of skills-based and performance-driven learning in preparing students for future careers.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the kickoff at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, where more than 900 student participants from 18 regions gathered for a weeklong showcase of technical, artistic, and academic competencies.

DepEd said the annual festival brings together learners from both public and private schools to demonstrate mastery through real-world applications, moving beyond traditional classroom-based assessments.

“Here at the National Festival of Talents, we not only celebrate artistry, but also give equal value to science and technology, recognizing creativity in all its forms,” Angara said.

He added that the event also serves as a platform to engage with students’ perspectives on future challenges.

“We will be listening to the ideas of our young people here today on how to confront the challenges of the future,” he said.

The NFOT features a range of competitions designed to integrate 21st-century skills, including innovation, problem-solving, and communication. Among these are DokyuWento for documentary-making, the Literary Cup for oral narrative reconstruction, and Savor D’ Flavor, which combines food preservation with foreign language application.

Students are also participating in STEM-focused and technical challenges such as STEMazing for scientific research and Techno Fusion, which integrates gardening, electrical assembly, and algorithm design.

DepEd said the event also emphasizes inclusivity, with participation from learners under programs such as the Alternative Learning System (ALS), Madrasah Education, Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED), and Special Needs Education (SNED).

Specialized categories include Silent Stories for Deaf learners and Harf Touch, which focuses on tactile Arabic letter recognition.

Anchored on the theme “Embracing Change, Redefining Excellence,” this year’s NFOT focuses on equipping learners with adaptability, creativity, and technical skills amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

DepEd officials said the festival aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen senior high school pathways and expand industry partnerships, allowing students to translate their skills into future employment opportunities.

The event, hosted by Roxas City, is expected to culminate in exhibitions and presentations showcasing student outputs across various disciplines. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA News