The Department of Education – Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) will be hosting the national learners’ convergence and career expo this month, with 6,000 student leaders from across the country attending, an official said Tuesday.

Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, DepEd-NIR director, said in an interview that the 2025 Learners Convergence Philippines will be held from Oct. 27 to 30, while the 2025 National Career Expo is set for Oct. 27 and 28. Both events will be held at different venues in this capital of Negros Oriental, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara expected to grace the opening.

“The learning convergence is a training designed for student leaders, while the career expo is for career guidance for students,” Uytico said.

Meanwhile, DepEd-Dumaguete assistant division superintendent Dr. Juditha Mapue said they have prepared modules for their learners due to the suspension of face-to-face classes this month, noting that several activities require the use of public schools for visitor accommodation.

Contingents for the Buglasan Festival, including those for the Festival of Festivals on Friday, have already begun arriving early and staying at some schools.

Public schools will also provide accommodation for the thousands of student leaders attending the convergence in late October.

Mapue assured that the division is doing its best to address learning gaps for students arising from the suspension of face-to-face classes on occasions like this.

She added that classes have also been disrupted due to suspensions following the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Mindanao. She, however, guaranteed alternative learning methods to ensure students continue their education. (PNA)