By Ricky Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY — Catbalogan City, in collaboration with the Schools Division of Catbalogan City, is set to host the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) from April 26 to 29, 2024.
The event will welcome over 1,000 delegates from thirteen (13) divisions across the region, who will compete in twenty-six (26) competitions spanning eight (8) categories. These competitions will highlight the diverse talents and skills of students in various fields.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s Regional Festival of Talents and to welcome students and school officials from different divisions,” expressed Mayor Dexter Uy.
“This event not only showcases the talents of our youth but also fosters cultural exchange and unity among divisions in the region,” he added.
The teaser for the official theme song of Catbalogan City hosting RFOT 2024, titled “Katbari han Kinaiya,” was released to the public on April 12, 2024.
The participating divisions include Biliran Wildcats (Biliran), Southern Leyte Whale Sharks (Southern Leyte), Norte Eagles (Northern Samar), Leyte Conquerors (Leyte), Ferocious Dragons (Baybay City), Siglaro Elites (Ormoc City), Tacloban Red Stallions (Tacloban City), Samar Sparkers (Samar), Maasin City Tigers (Maasin City), Kidlat Este (Eastern Samar), Calbayog City, Borongan City, and the host city of Catbalogan.
With this year’s theme, “Galing, Talino at Husay ng mga Batang Makabansa sa Diwa ng Matatag na Adhika,” the RFOT aims to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and skills in various fields, including music, dance, visual arts, and literary arts, among others. It also serves as a venue for students to interact and learn from each other, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange.
Under the eight (8) categories, namely: Sining Tanghalan, Technolympics, Read-A-Thon (English and Filipino), Population Development, STEMazing, Special Needs Education (NED) Expo, Lingo Stars for Special Program in Foreign Language, and Musabaqah, the festival will feature competitions, workshops, and exhibits, providing delegates with a unique opportunity to learn and grow in their respective fields.
The DepEd Regional Festival of Talents is expected to be a vibrant and dynamic event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and talent of the region’s youth. It is part of the agency’s commitment to promote and develop the talents and skills of Filipino students, aligned with the government’s thrust to promote arts and culture as essential components of education.
Preparations in Full Swing
As the RFOT hosting draws nearer, the host LGU announced that preparations are almost complete.
Uy mentioned that the LGU has partnered with the Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas to conduct training on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) for teaching personnel from the Catbalogan City Division who will be the frontline representatives, coordinators, ushers, usherettes, tour guides, and other roles who will be at forefront for the said regional hosting.
Streets have been cleaned thru the city-wide clean up drive, and traffic issues have been addressed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors to the city.
Schools designated to serve as accommodation areas for the students and officials have also been prepared. ###
