28/04/2026
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Roxas City, Capiz β In a hall filled with rhythm, language, and culture, three young performers stood under the lightsβnot just to compete, but to tell a story. When the final results of the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) 2026 were announced, Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School β Senior High School (DCPNHS-SHS) had carved its name among the countryβs best, earning 1st Runner-Up in the Likhawitan category.
But behind the applause was a journey shaped by quiet rehearsals, long hours, and a shared belief in the power of the arts.
Representing the school were Jeremiah D. Barillo, Godwin A. Rulida, and Joanna Marie S. Naldoβstudents who transformed their craft into a performance that resonated beyond the stage. Guided by their coach, John Paul P. Tinampay, the team delivered a piece that blended voice, movement, and language into a compelling narrative. Their effort did not go unnoticed, as they also received the Best in Foreign Language award, a recognition of both skill and daring creativity.
For DCPNHS-SHS, the victory carries a deeper meaning. In a community where opportunities for specialized arts education remain limited, the school stands out as the only Senior High School offering the Arts and Design Track (ADT). This distinction is not just a labelβit is a commitment. A commitment to nurture talent, to give space for expression, and to believe that artistry deserves the same stage as any other discipline.
Accompanying the team in Roxas City was School Principal Dr. Legardo R. Palaca Jr., whose presence reflected the schoolβs strong support system for its learners. For him and the entire school community, the recognition affirms what they have long believed: that when given the right guidance and opportunity, students can rise to national prominence.
The NFOT, a flagship program of the Department of Education, gathers the most talented learners from across the Philippines. To stand out among 17 regional entries is no small feat. Yet for DCPNHS-SHS, it is not merely about winningβit is about representing a vision where creativity thrives and young voices are heard.
As the curtains closed in Roxas City, the echoes of their performance lingeredβa reminder that excellence is not only measured in awards, but in the courage to create, perform, and inspire.
And for these young artists from DCPNHS-SHS, this is only the beginning.