Like the Central Luzon Regional Atheltic Association or CLRAA Meet and the Regional Schools Press Conference, we will once again hold the in-person Regional Festival of Talents after almost three years that we have been affected by the pandemic. Many of the participants, especially our young students are really eager to be a part of RFOT as representatives of their schools and divisions. For this year, the theme of RFOT is “Reinforcing 21st Century Learning and Fostering Creative Industries through Talents and Skills Exhibition”. The Regional Festival of Talents aims to provide opportunities for our students from public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as those from the Alternative Learning System (ALS), Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED), Special Needs Education Program ( SNEd), and Madrasah Education Program (MEP) to showcase their talents and abilities in the fields of science, arts and culture, and even tech-voc industries. It also provides a platform to strengthen the knowledge and skills of teachers and students with the help of our experts and judges. Conducting the Division and Regional Festival of Talents in preparation for the National Festival of Talents is in line with the MATATAG Education Agenda to prioritize the welfare of students by promoting the well-being of students, educational programs , and ensuring that all students, regardless of their situation or level in life, are given the opportunity to achieve a quality education in our schools.
This is a proof that intelligence is not only seen in academic performance but we believe that each of us has our own talents and skills. This is called multiple intelligences according to Howard Gardner who said that there are different types of intelligence such as being Word Smart, Number/Reasoning Smart, Picture Smart, Body Smart or Sport Smart, Music Smart, People Smart, Self Smart, and Nature Smart. Recognizing and cultivating the multiple intelligences of students through education is an important action to prepare them to become "global citizens" with a broad awareness of the world and its role and contribution towards its development.
Here in our region, we have the Regional Science High School in Olongapo City, Bataan High School for the Arts, and the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Tarlac with the existing special programs offered in the arts, journalism, and sports, which enables our youth to choose their path based on their individual interests and talents. Unlike previous decades (when we were in school), young students now have the opportunity to create their own brand and set their direction towards what they want to be in the future, In other words, today's possibilities are overflowing, and through education, young people can find their own identities and reach their dreams in life.
To all of our participants this year, please use this opportunity to continue to improve your own skills and talents. I know that this experience will be one of the opportunities you will never forget and I hope it will serve as an inspiration to you to continue being a Batang Makabansa.