By Liwayway Yparraguirre/PNA

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — The 198 delegates of Soccsksargen (Region 12) have the edge to win this year’s National Festival of Talents (NFOT), given their exposure to the Madrasa education program, a regional Department of Education (DepEd) official said Monday.
The Madrasa education program was first implemented in the region, which covers South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City region, particularly in Cotabato City, DepEd-12 information officer Artemio Maganto Jr. said.
“This is the first year that Madrasa is mainstreamed to the NFOT. Madrasa program is a Muslim education program. Among others, the competition includes Arabic reading and singing (using verses in Koran),” Maganto explained.
DepEd-12 director Allan Farnazo said the delegates are prepared.
“My presence here is to provide support and ensure that we push them to perform to what is expected of them, to perform their best,” Farnazo said.
Region 12 is among the regions competing in the NFOT hosted by Region 1 (Ilocos) and the Dagupan City Schools Division.
The 2019 NFOT, held here from January 29 to 30, carries the theme “Celebrating Diversity through the performance of Talents and Skills for Sustainable inclusive Education”.