Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – The 2026 Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT), hosted by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Laoag City, wrapped up successfully with winners and finalists selected for the 15 events. The festival showcased student creativity, skills, and innovation, drawing participants from across the 14 SDOs.
Regional winners of the different contests are Brent Laurel Sarmiento (Laoag City) for Cabin Craft; Aaron James Paragas and Justine Jay Dacanay (Pangasinan I) for Deskmates; Jamie M. Rocio, Sherwin M. Olivar (Pangasinan II) for Technofusion; Kent Daniel Calinog, Ma. Elaine de Guzman and Angelic Divine F. Olermo (Pangasinan I) for Bake Cares; and Angel Pham A. Rabbon, Angel Sofia Atalin, Mil Jovin Jamnold, and K-Zar A. Cu (Vigan City) for Flavor Fame.
Sophian M. Reyes (San Carlos City) for Pop Quiz; Glaiza F. Prestoza and Krystian James P. Varona (Pangasinan II) for Advocacy Pitch; Blessie Kywin B. Escano, Zyna B. Basobas, Veera Greza Aruelo (Alaminos City) for Literary Cup; Budz Spencer S. Agcaoili, Jedrick Alfred T. Guzman, Genevieve Kate M. Del Castillo, and Ken R. Galace (Vigan City) for Cine Munti; and Ma. Leoize Elaijah Morales, Micah Jhabes C. Matinez, and MJ Roben S. Asunto (Laoag City) for Likhawitan; Jasmine Exiomo, Princess Maavie S. Juanica, and Jansen Viray (San Carlos City) for Dokyuwento.
Zairyn Angelie B. Del Mundo, Hannah Carmela S. Base (Alaminos City) for Stemazing (elementary level) and Lien Dixzel Q. Alconcel and Zithri Jezreel R. Baclig (Vigan City) Stemazing (secondary level); Muhammad Hanzalah B. Marangit (Ilocos Sur) for Arabic Language Spelling, Omar D. Sangcupan for Qur’an Reading; and Hamidah S. Marsok (Pangasinan I) for Harf Touch (Qur’an reading).
In her opening message, Director Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros of the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office emphasized the event’s core values: “Talents are diverse, learning is inclusive, excellence is measured by adaptability, integrity, collaboration, and purpose.”
She added, “If arts and creative disciplines are given a serious role, academic achievement improves, and if learners are engaged, they excel.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Joann A. Corpuz, Schools Division Superintendent of Laoag City, highlighted the modern relevance of the festival in her remarks: “In the 21st century, excellence now speaks through creativity that solves problems, compassion that promotes values and inclusion, and talents that serve communities.” She encouraged participants to view the event as “a celebration of talents, friendships, and shared dreams.”
The competitions took place simultaneously from March 3 to 5, 2026, in Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades (INCAT), Ilocos Norte National High School, and Divine Word College of Laoag. Beyond the contests, the event featured captivating performances by local talents, such as the Pamulinawen Festival Dancers (2026 Tan-ok Festival of Talents grand winner), the world-renowned Samiweng Singers, Danggay Children’s Rondalla, Tagnawa Dance Troupe, and Laoag City Children’s Choir.
The regional winners will represent the region at the 2026 National Festival of Talents, scheduled on April 20 to 24, 2026, in Roxas City, Capiz.
The Festival of Talents offers students meaningful opportunities to showcase their multiple intelligences, value-driven talents, and 21st-century skills across academic and inclusive education programs.
By: Joanna Diaz-Sabado, ORD-Public Affairs Unit