Schools Division Office of the Schools Division of Paraǹaque City displayed full support to the delegates of the division by its attendance to monitor and benchmark the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) and National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), July 16-21, 2023 in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City, Region X.

On July 16, TWENTY-EIGHT personnel composed of the CID and SGOD led by Schools Division Superintendent Nerissa L. Losaria and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Violeta M. Gonzales packed themselves on board the Philippine Airlines going to CDO. Among them were the concerned Education Program Supervisors: Dr. Antonio L. Layacan, TLE/TVE/NFOT focal person; Dr. Edwin S. Doria for NSPC – Filipino category; and Dr. Rodrigo C. Morales, NSPC- English.

Upon setting foot in CDO that same day, the SDO Paraǹaque team checked in at noon in the RedDoorz Pension House near Lapasan Plaza. They stayed in the same place for the succeeding days.

At 8:00 a.m. on July 17, the SDO team witnessed the grand opening of the Joint NFOT and NSPC Ceremonies at the Atrium, Limketkai Mall of CDO. The event was participated in by qualified student and teacher delegates from all regions, with the presence of the respective regional directors, regional and division supervisors, and other NFOT/NSPC division representatives. After the ceremonies, the team proceeded to the NSPC individual and group contest venues.

On July 18-19, the SDO team monitored and benchmarked all events of the NFOT and NSPC. They also observed the schools as the hosts of the contest events, not only the actual flow and mechanics of the competitions conducted. Indeed, the national events paved the way for the division to spot the strengths and weaknesses that would help improve its participation in the next school year.

In the morning of July 20, the team cheered with the winners during the NSPC Awarding Ceremony held at Liceo de Cagayan University. They also witnessed the Joint NFOT/NSPC Closing Ceremonies at Xavier University in the afternoon.

Finally, on July 21, the SDO team flew back to Manila via PAL, bringing and relishing all the lessons gathered from the national events. (by Reena G. Orquina and Nelita F. Belena)