THE DEPARTMENT of Education recently concluded the 2021 Online National Festival of Talents, an annual event that promotes the importance of co-curricular activities on the well-being of learners especially amid the pandemic.

“Our learners need outlets through co-curricular or extra-curricular activities to ease their stress, tension, and anxieties brought by the health crisis. Co-curricular activities have been proven to bring positive impact on the health and well-being of our learners,” Bureau of Learning Delivery Director Leila Areola said.

The event, held physically prior to the pandemic, was spearheaded by DepEd’s BLD–Student Inclusion Division and was held virtually from January 24-28 this year.

The 2021 NFOT showcased talents in Technolympics (Technology and Livelihood Education and Technical-Vocational Education); Sining Tanghalan (Arts and Culture Education); National Population Development (Social Studies o Araling Panlipunan); Pambansang Tagisan ng Talento (Filipino); Special Program in Foreign Language; Musabaqah (ALIVE Program); Learners with Disabilities Showcase of Talents for SPED; and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics azonic innovations and gains for STEM.

It also featured the video submissions of learners in categories like cooking, songwriting, singing and playing instruments, dancing, speech exhibitions, among others.

“Conducting the festival of talents creates opportunities for all types of learners, through the guidance of coaches from public and private elementary and secondary schools, including ALS, to persevere, adapt, hope, and bounce back and find a way to move forward,” Areola said.

“All co-curricular activities have been designed to divert their attention from the pandemic. The involvement in the said activities will help them become tougher and prevent mental health issues,” she added.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that the NFOT remains one of DepEd’s initiatives to promote the distinct culture of the country, especially to the youth.

“Let us savor the talents of our learners and encourage the competitive spirit while being united in our goals of promoting Philippine culture,” Briones said.