Farm schools from across the Negros Island Region gathered at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on November 7 and 8, 2026, for the DepEd NIR Farm School Fiesta — a showcase of agricultural products, student innovations, and agri-based learning practices organized by the Department of Education Negros Island Region.
Regional Director Opens Fiesta, Highlights Agri-Entrepreneurship
DepEd NIR Regional Director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico formally led the opening of the event and framed farm school education as a pathway to community development. "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. He also acknowledged Education Secretary Sonny Angara and the DepEd Central Office for their support of the program.
Opening Day Program Draws Officials and Community Partners
The first day featured a red carpet pre-show, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a farm school mascot parade, with cultural performances delivered by E.B. Magalona National High School. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Congressman Alfredo Benitez each delivered support messages during the opening program, according to DepEd Negros Island Region.
Also held on opening day were 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. The event drew hundreds of attendees including regional and division education officials, school heads, teachers, Farm School learners, local government representatives, and community partners, DepEd NIR reported.
DTI and DOST Assisted Schools Before the Event
Ahead of the fiesta, DepEd NIR coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology to extend pre-event technical assistance to participating schools. According to DepEd NIR, the assistance focused on product development, packaging, labeling, and market readiness to prepare student-produced agricultural goods for wider commercial exposure.
Curriculum Division Organized Event Around Three Core Objectives
DepEd NIR's Curriculum and Learning Management Division was responsible for organizing the fiesta. The agency stated that the event was designed to advance three objectives: positioning farm school education as a driver of agricultural productivity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable community development; strengthening partnerships with stakeholders; and creating new market linkages for participating schools.
The two-day fiesta concluded with a closing program on Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m., according to DepEd NIR.
46 Farm Schools Serve More Than 12,000 Learners Region-Wide
DepEd NIR said it currently operates 46 approved farm schools across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, with a combined enrollment of more than 12,000 learners. The DepEd Central Office released Alternative Delivery Mode Program Support Funds for fiscal year 2026–2027, providing one million pesos each to all 46 established farm schools. An additional one million pesos each was allocated to the Schools Division Offices of Guihulngan City and Talisay City to support the establishment of new farm schools in those localities, the agency added.
Source: DepEd Negros Island Region