The Department of Education Negros Island Region (DepEd NIR) officially opened its Farm School Fiesta on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City, bringing together farm schools from across the region to display agricultural products, student-led innovations, and best practices in agri-based learning.
The two-day event, which concluded with a closing program on Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m., drew hundreds of participants including regional and division education leaders, school heads, teachers, Farm School learners, local government officials, and community partners, according to DepEd Negros Island Region.
Regional Director Cites Agri-Entrepreneurship as Core Goal
DepEd NIR Regional Director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico formally opened the fiesta and delivered remarks framing farm school education as a vehicle for community transformation.
"Through farm schools, we are not just teaching students how to till the land, we are equipping them to become agri-entrepreneurs and sustainable community leaders," Uytico said.
Uytico also extended thanks to Education Secretary Sonny Angara and the DepEd Central Office for their institutional support of the program.
Officials from Bacolod and Negros Occidental Deliver Support Messages
Day 1 of the fiesta featured a red carpet pre-show, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a farm school mascot parade. Cultural performances were provided by E.B. Magalona National High School.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Congressman Alfredo Benitez each delivered messages of support during the opening program, according to DepEd NIR.
The opening day also marked the launch of the Farm School Website, the turnover of program support fund cheques, and the distribution of certificates of recognition to participating schools and stakeholders.
DTI and DOST Provided Pre-Event Technical Assistance
Prior to the fiesta, DepEd NIR partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology to provide technical assistance to participating farm schools. The collaboration covered product development, packaging, labeling, and market readiness, according to DepEd NIR, with the aim of ensuring that student-produced agricultural goods were prepared for broader commercial exposure.
Fiesta Organized by Curriculum and Learning Management Division
The event was organized by DepEd NIR through its Curriculum and Learning Management Division. According to DepEd NIR, the fiesta was designed to pursue three core objectives: to position farm school education as a driver of agricultural productivity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable community development; to strengthen stakeholder partnerships; and to open new market linkages for schools.
46 Farm Schools Across Three Provinces Serve Over 12,000 Learners
DepEd NIR currently operates 46 approved farm schools spanning Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, collectively serving more than 12,000 learners, the agency said.
The DepEd Central Office downloaded Alternative Delivery Mode Program Support Funds for fiscal year 2026–2027, allocating 1 million pesos for each of the 46 established farm schools. An additional 1 million pesos each was provided to the Schools Division Offices of Guihulngan City and Talisay City to support the establishment of new farm schools in those areas.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of DepEd Negros Island Region