TESDA readying for skills olympics

CEBU, Philippines —  Highlighting the importance of technical-vocational education and skills excellence among Filipino workers and students, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 7 is gearing up for the WorldSkills Philippines Central Visayas-Regional Skills Olympics 2026, scheduled from June 2 to 4 at the TESDA-7 compound in Lahug, Cebu City.

During the May 28 edition of Kapihan sa PIA, TESDA-7 Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr. said the competition is anchored on Republic Act No. 7796, otherwise known as the TESDA Act of 1994. He explained that the event is conducted in active partnership with private industries to promote quality skills development and prepare skilled Filipino workers for international skills competitions.

"We promote moral values g’yud labi na sa mga competitors," Vicente said, adding that TESDA also promotes excellence in technical-vocational education to inspire more young people to avail themselves of TESDA scholarship programs.

Vicente noted that participants in the Regional Skills Olympics are gold medalists from the recently-concluded Provincial Skills Olympics and will now compete at the regional level.

He added that the event will gather various partner institutions, industries, and government agencies, including PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG, which will set up booths and services for participants and guests.

He emphasized that the competition focuses on the quality of skills demonstrated by the participants and winners will be determined based on WorldSkills standards, with competitors required to achieve specific scores.

Vicente also discussed the upcoming National Skills Olympics, which is scheduled for July 2026 in which regional winners will earn the opportunity to represent Central Visayas at the national level.

"You will be experiencing world-class competition," Vicente said as he invited the public to attend and witness the three-day event.

Addressing possible concerns regarding regional winners who may no longer meet the age requirements for the national competition, Vicente explained that most skill areas have an age limit of 21 years old and below.

"There are times nga ang atong gold kay overage na," he said, noting that in such cases, the silver medalist may be recommended to represent the region at the national competition.

For the Information and Communication Technology and Mechatronics skill areas, Vicente clarified that the age limit is 25 years old and below. He added that participants may still compete in future editions of the olympics as long as they remain within the age requirement.

"I-train nato, kung kaya pa sa edad," he added.

Vicente also highlighted the competition as an avenue for participants to showcase their skills to prospective employers. With representatives from private industries attending the event, he noted that some competitors in previous competitions were hired on the spot.

When asked whether TESDA would shoulder the expenses of regional delegates competing at the national level, including airfare, accommodation, and other necessary costs, Vicente assured participants of the agency's support.

"More than willing g’yud ang TESDA nga mo-back-up mi nila kay you are not only giving honor to TESDA but also to the Philippines," he said.

Delegates from Cebu and Bohol will compete in various skill areas under Creative Arts and Fashion, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Transportation and Logistics, Social and Personal Services, Construction and Building Technology, and Information and Communication Technology during the three-day event. — Marjorey B. Cantila, CNU intern/BRP