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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd brings NSPC, NFOT, and Palarong Pambansa 2025 to Ilocos this May

DepEd brings NSPC, NFOT, and Palarong Pambansa 2025 to Ilocos this May

Published May 2, 2025 03:30 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to host three major national co-curricular events in Ilocos this May 2025.
  • The National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT) will focus on AI's role in journalism and creative industries
  • The Palarong Pambansa 2025 will showcase top young athletes in various sports, including para-games
  • These events aim to empower Filipino youth in leadership, creativity, and athletic excellence while highlighting innovation and inclusivity in education.
To foster leadership, creativity, and civic engagement among Filipino students across the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) is gearing up for three major national youth events this May 2025.
DepEd gears up for NSPC, NFOT, and Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Ilocos, empowering Filipino youth in journalism, arts, and sports. (DepEd / file photo)
DepEd gears up for NSPC, NFOT, and Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Ilocos, empowering Filipino youth in journalism, arts, and sports. (DepEd / file photo)
“These are platforms that empower our youth and help prepare them for a rapidly changing world,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.
DepEd noted that these programs highlight youth excellence in journalism, the creative industries, and athletics—aligned with the President’s vision of empowering the youth to lead, create, and inspire.
Ilocos region to host 2025’s biggest youth gatherings
The Ilocos Region will take center stage next month as DepEd brings three of its biggest flagship co-curricular events—the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), the National Festival of Talents (NFOT), and the Palarong Pambansa—to the home region of President Marcos.
“Bringing these national gatherings to Ilocandia reflects our belief in regional inclusivity and shows how communities like Ilocos are key partners in building a future-ready education system,” Angara said.
Spotlight on AI’s role in journalism and creative industries
With the theme "Empowering Filipino Youth: Unleashing Potentials in Journalism and Creative Industries in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)," DepEd is set to host the 2025 NSPC and NFOT in Ilocos Sur from May 19 to 23.
The twin events aim to empower young campus journalists and emerging talents with the expertise needed to thrive in journalism and the creative industries while embracing the transformative impact of AI-driven innovations.
The NSPC will gather over 3,330 delegates—including student-journalists, coaches, judges, and officials—to compete in a diverse range of individual and group categories in both English and Filipino.
Events will span key disciplines such as news writing, editorial writing, sports writing, photojournalism, radio and TV broadcasting, and online publishing, among others.
This year, the event will feature an exhibition on Mobile Journalism, showcasing innovative storytelling techniques.
Concurrent sessions on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and AI in Journalism will also take place, led by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Western Philippine University’s Assistant Professor Vengie M. Ravelo. These discussions aim to equip participants with the skills to navigate the evolving media landscape.
The NFOT will showcase a diverse array of activities, ranging from performing arts and culinary exhibitions to digital and industrial design. These events align with DepEd’s K to 12 curriculum exits and support the goals of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904), fostering innovation and skill development among participants.
Around 2,200 NFOT delegates will showcase their skills in both individual and group competitions across a wide spectrum of learning and talent domains.
These include Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), Music and Arts, Social Studies, Languages and Literacy, Religious and Cultural Education, Inclusive Education, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting the event’s commitment to educational and creative excellence.
DepEd said the NFOT will feature new and expanded contest categories, incorporating tasks that require proficiency in productivity tools and the assembly of technical components. Additionally, teacher development sessions will be held throughout the week, fostering professional growth and innovation in education.
Top young athletes battle for glory
From May 24 to 31, 2025, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, in partnership with DepEd Region I and the Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte, will host the 65th Palarong Pambansa under the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan.”
The 65th Palarong Pambansa will showcase 24 regular sports, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming.
In addition, demonstration sports such as weightlifting and futsal for girls, as well as an exhibition event in kickboxing, will be featured. A special games category for athletes with disabilities will also take place, highlighting para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball.
A total of approximately 1,777 medals will be distributed across the regular sports, demonstration events, and para-games, celebrating the outstanding performances of athletes in various categories.
Embracing Filipino heritage, the Palarong Pambansa will also feature Palaro ng Lahi, a special showcase of traditional Filipino games aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and preservation among the youth.
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