Pinoy bet shines in World Skills Olympics

AMA graduate Jeffrey Sulit, the Filipino representative to the World Skills Olympics recently concluded in St. Gallen, Switzerland, received a Diploma of Skills Excellence from the World Skills Organization, a recognition that classifies his IT skills as world class. Sulit was also the recipient of the Best of the Nation Award for the Best Performer in the entire Philippine delegation.

The skills excellence award was given when he scored an impressive 507 out of 600 during the competition for the Information Technology (IT) – Software Applications Category, participated in by 37 countries worldwide. Although Sulit did not qualify for the Medal Standing, his performance was judged as excellent when most of the other participants were from first world nations.

The Philippine delegation, which left for Switzerland last week, was headed by TESDA Director-General Alcestis M. Guiang. Other technical delegates include TESDA Directors Augusto Capio and Teodoro Sanico.

Melanie Bernardo, School Director of ACLC Malolos, served as trainer and coach to Sulit prior to, and during the competition. Arnel Hibo, VP for Global Education Services of AMA Education System, is the official technical delegate or IT expert from the Philippines.

"This is the best performance that the Philippines has had since it started participating in the World Skills Olympics in 1997. Jeffrey’s accomplishment was remarkable, as the country’s IT competence is now recognized having reached world-class standards," says Hibo.

Last year, Sulit bagged the gold for IT in the 4th ASEAN Skills Olympics held in Jakarta, Indonesia prevailing over 11 other competitors from 10 ASEAN participating countries. This victory qualified him for the World Olympics this year.

Before reaching the ASEAN Skills Competition level, Sulit has emerged as the overall champion in the Philippine National Skill held in Davao City in 2001. While completing his two-year diploma in Computer Systems Design and Programming at ACLC Malolos, he has won the Regional Skills Competition in Region 3 in the same trade category in 2000.

This year, a total of 45 trade areas were covered in the Skills Competition. Out of the 45, the Philippines sent representatives to compete in four trade areas namely Information Technology (IT), CADD, Cabinet-making and Mechatronics.

AMA Education System, fully supporting global competitiveness amongst the Filipino youth has consistently encouraged its students to participate in competitions to test their skills and prove their competence.

Amable C. Aguiluz IX, president of the AMAES, proudly noted that AMA graduates have been participating and winning in national and international IT competitions for many years now.

"The entire AMA community is very proud of Jeffrey. Not only did his accomplishments upgrade the Filipino IT skills to global standards, it also earned AMA the reputation of being ‘Home of the Champions,’ he proudly remarked.