FROM the cobblestone streets of Vigan, the future of Filipino creativity takes center stage in Ilocos Sur.

The Department of Education has officially launched the 2025 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT), drawing over 5,500 young delegates from across the country.

For one full week, this UNESCO World Heritage City will serve as the stage for the next generation of Filipino storytellers, artists, and innovators.

With 3,300 campus journalists and 2,200 student creatives showcasing their skills, NSPC and NFOT 2025 celebrate youth talent in the age of AI. This year’s theme: “Empowering Filipino Youth: Unleashing Potentials in Journalism and Creative Industries in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”

“Definitely, this will be a showcase of the nation’s young talents and brilliant minds,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

“Gusto po ni Pangulong Marcos na walang naiiwan sa ating sistema ng edukasyon. Kaya’t isinusulong natin ang mga event at kompetisyong ganito para lalong mahasa ang ating mga kabataan,” he added.

Keynote speaker Jessica Soho, an award-winning broadcast journalist, encouraged students to use technology not just to tell stories—but to tell true and meaningful ones.

“I-focus niyo rin ang inyong energy at mga camera sa mga isyu at problema sa komunidad o lipunan na kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin—lalo na kung ang nakasalalay ay kaligtasan at kapakanan ng marami,” she urged.

Most NSPC competitions took place yesterday, May 20, including both individual and team events. The contest wraps up today with TV Scriptwriting and Radio Broadcasting.

An exhibition on Mobile Journalism is set for May 22, alongside concurrent sessions on Media and Information Literacy and Artificial Intelligence in Journalism. These will be led by the Presidential Communications Office and Assistant Professor Vengie M. Ravelo of Western Philippines University.

Last year, Region XI (Davao Region) broke CALABARZON’s nine-year winning streak to emerge as NSPC overall champion.

Meanwhile, the majority of NFOT competitions and performing arts exhibitions, especially those in Technology and Livelihood Education, also took place yesterday, May 20.

“The NFOT is about shaping a workforce ready for the future,” Secretary Angara said. “DepEd will continue pushing for the integration of future-ready skills—like AI, coding, and digital innovation—into the basic education curriculum, so our learners can meet the evolving demands of the global economy head-on.”

Region IV-A (CALABARZON) was hailed overall champion in last year’s NFOT.

NSPC will hold its awarding and closing ceremony on Friday, May 23, while NFOT concludes with its awarding ceremony on Thursday, May 22.