The Department of Education (DepEd) has highlighted the value of science and technology, as well as artistry in all its forms, among the Filipino youth as it officially opened the 2026 National Festival of Talents (NFOT), on Sunday.

The NFOT is a nationwide competition among learners in both public and private schools from 18 regions, featuring mastery in real-world skills application and performance-based output.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the festival provides Filipino learners with the opportunity to translate their talents into future careers.

“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,” he said in his keynote speech.

Themed “Embracing Change, Redefining Excellence,” the weeklong NFOT is set to showcase best works from representatives in the technical-vocational, artistic, and academic fields.

The event goes beyond traditional competitions by emphasizing the integration of 21st century skills, innovation, and inclusivity, including participation from learners under Alternative Learning System (ALS), Madrasah Education, Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED), and Special Needs Education (SNED) programs.

Angara said the festival serves as a space not only for competition but also for listening to the ideas of the Filipino youth.

“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 2026 NFOT features diverse competitions such as DokyuWento for documentary-making, the Literary Cup for oral narrative reconstruction, and Savor D’ Flavor, which integrates food preservation with foreign language skills.

The event also showcases inclusive excellence through specialized categories like Silent Stories for Deaf learners and Harf Touch for tactile Arabic letter recognition.

Participants also engage in rigorous challenges like STEMazing for scientific research and Techno Fusion, which combines dish gardening, electrical assembly with algorithm design.

The festival is expected to culminate in a series of exhibitions and presentations that will highlight the country’s broader push to develop future-ready, globally competitive learners. (PNA)