Roxas City set for 2026 talent festival

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Roxas City is all set to host the 2026 National Festival of Talents from April 18 to 22, drawing student delegations from across the country for the Department of Education’s flagship co-curricular competition.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, April 13, Mayor Ronnie Dadivas said the event is not only an activity for the education sector but also an opportunity to showcase Roxas City and the hospitality of Capiznons.

Dadivas called for cooperation from all sectors to ensure the successful hosting of the event.

According to Mary Ann Piñuela, DepEd MAPEH head, 18 schools are expected to take part in the major gathering.

She said about 19 billeting areas have been prepared to ensure the comfortable stay of visitors throughout the event.

The competitions will be held at Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, Filamer Christian University, Roxas City Innovation Center, Capiz Commercial School, SM City Roxas, Robinsons Roxas, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, People’s Park in Barangay Baybay, and Hercor College.

Some PHP 9 million from the DepEd Central Office and PHP 3 million from the Special Education Fund have been allocated to support the national event.

The Department of Education secretary is expected to grace the occasion.

The Philippine National Police will deploy 192 police officers in billeting and other strategic areas to ensure the safety of the delegations.

The NFOT is an annual DepEd program that provides a platform for basic education learners to showcase skills in technical-vocational-livelihood contests, arts performances under Sining Tanghalan, and academic competitions.

DepEd memorandums issued for participating divisions identified Roxas City, Capiz, as the host site of the 2026 NFOT and set the core event dates on April 18–22, exclusive of travel time.

The 2025 edition was held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, from May 19 to 23 after local and regional elimination rounds.

That edition featured competitions in journalism and creative communications, Sining Tanghalan, and Technolympics, continuing the festival’s role as a national stage for student talent development.