𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-RJ8

PASAY CITY — The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) has announced that 𝐉𝐢𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁. 𝐋𝐚𝐣𝐚 will represent the Philippines in the upcoming WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, set on August 26–28, 2025, at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The WorldSkills ASEAN Competition is the region’s premier showcase of skills, bringing together the most talented youth from Southeast Asia to demonstrate excellence in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Participants from ASEAN member-states will compete in different skill areas, underscoring the vital role of TVET in national development and regional collaboration.

This year marks a historic milestone for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). For the first time, a Bangsamoro youth will represent the Philippines in this prestigious competition. Jiear, who will compete in Information Network Cabling alongside another Filipino contender, carries not only his talent and dedication but also the pride and hopes of the Bangsamoro people.

Notably, Jiear already made history in 2024 as the first Bangsamoro to win in the Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC), where he earned a bronze medal in the same skill category. His achievement paved the way for this new milestone, as he now steps onto the ASEAN stage among the 62 competitors representing the Philippines across 32 skill areas, joining participants from 10 ASEAN member states. (Timor Leste — not yet member of ASEAN — and Japan are non-competition observers.)

MBHTE-TESD recognizes this achievement as a strong testament to the region’s growing contribution to the country’s skilled workforce. “This is a proud moment for BARMM. Jiear’s participation shows that Bangsamoro youth have the skills, determination, and excellence to stand among the best in ASEAN,” MBHTE-TESD officials said.

His representation reflects BARMM’s commitment to nurturing world-class professionals through quality technical-vocational education.

Laja’s participation in WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 also highlights the importance of investing in the potential of young people and creating more opportunities for skills development in BARMM. His journey as the region’s first representative in an international skills competition is a milestone that demonstrates both personal commitment and the steady progress of the Bangsamoro in the field of TVET.

With deep pride, MBHTE-TESD extends its full support to Jiear as he carries not only the Philippine flag, but also the aspirations of the Bangsamoro, onto the international stage of technical vocational excellence. — (MBHTE/Baidawe B. Bato)