CAGAYAN DE ORO, July 18, 2023 – After three years, the Department of Education (DepEd) physically welcomed some of the most talented and skillful Filipino learners in the joint opening of the 2023 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT) held today in Cagayan de Oro.

With the theme ‘From Campus Journalism to Real-World Journalism: Shaping Minds from Schools to Societies’ and ‘Reinforcing 21st Century Learning and Fostering Creative Industries through Talents and Skills Exhibition,’ the 2023 NSPC and NFOT aim to provide a platform to strengthen teachers’ and learners’ creativity, talent, and communication skills.

“Remember that youth can shape a brighter future by raising awareness, staying informed, and working collectively with like-minded individuals locally and globally to take action,” Vice President of the Philippines and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte said in her written message.

Headed by the Curriculum and Teaching strand through the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) and Bureau of Learning Delivery (BLD), this year’s NSPC and NFOT highlight the comeback of its face-to-face contests and exhibition.

“Both NSPC and NFOT give chance for our learners to showcase their talents. This also allows us to assess what we are doing to improve the learning outcomes of our students. With the new direction for basic education, we make sure that the conduct of the NSPC and NFOT culminating activities are aligned in keeping with our MATATAG Agenda—to MAke our curriculum relevant for lifelong learning and TAke good care of our learners to promote their welfare regardless of their background and social status, among other things,” Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching Gina O. Gonong said.

The 2023 NSPC and NFOT are hosted by DepEd Region X-Northern Mindanao led by Regional Director Arturo B. Bayocot.

“As we pursue our MATATAG Agenda and also celebrate the resounding success of the 2023 NFOT-NSPC, let us remain resilient, triumph over any challenges, and sustain our commitment,” RD Arturo B. Bayocot noted.

DepEd likewise gathered support from the local leaders of Northern Mindanao through Provincial Governor Peter Unabia and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy.

Various contests and exhibitions will be held from July 17 to 21, 2023 in Cagayan de Oro City, including news writing, TV/radio scriptwriting and broadcasting, and photojournalism contests for NSPC and Sining Tanghalan, story retelling, Filipino Sign Language, Braille Reading, Technolympics, and other contests for NFOT.

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