NCR wins 2026 National Festival of Talents

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The National Capital Region emerged as overall champion in the just-concluded 2026 National Festival of Talents held in Roxas City.

It was followed by Region IV-A Calabarzon as first runner-up, Region II-Cagayan Valley as second runner-up, Region XII-SOCCSKSARGEN as third runner-up, and Region VII-Central Visayas as fourth runner-up.

The National Festival of Talents, or NFOT, is an annual Department of Education program that provides a platform for basic education learners to showcase skills in technical-vocational-livelihood competitions, arts performances and academic contests.

DepEd has said the festival highlights skills-based and performance-driven learning by allowing learners from public and private schools to demonstrate mastery through real-world applications beyond traditional classroom assessments.

This year’s festival carried the theme “Embracing Change, Redefining Excellence.”

NFOT 2026 was held in Roxas City from April 19 to 22, with Region VI-Western Visayas and the Schools Division of Roxas City serving as hosts.

The four-day event featured technical-vocational, artistic and academic competitions across multiple venues in the city.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara served as keynote speaker during the opening ceremony at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center.