Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-115W
TAGUIG CITY — Young Filipino skills champions are heading to the global stage to represent the country at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
A total of 11 delegates have transitioned from national triumphs to international competition following their formal send-off during the closing ceremony of WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 in Pampanga, the week before.
The Filipino competitors will compete in 10 skill areas, with their respective experts providing technical guidance and support, as they take on skilled youth from different countries.
TESDA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez expressed confidence in the Philippine delegation, emphasizing the opportunity for the competitors to demonstrate the world-class skills of Filipino youth.
“Our competitors carry with them their talent, and the pride and aspirations of the Filipino people. Sila ang Gilas at ang Alex Eala natin sa skills. Through WorldSkills International, they demonstrate that Filipino talent can compete and excel at the highest level,” Benitez said.
“WorldSkills is more than a competition. It is a platform for our young skilled professionals to learn from the best, raise the standards of excellence, and demonstrate the value of skills in building meaningful careers and a stronger workforce,” the TESDA chief added.
Representing the Philippines are Bea Hermosora in Bakery; Aliyah Chiecel Fernandez in Beauty Therapy; James Cavin Sayago in Electrical Installations; Hannah Krystelle Caintic in Graphic Design Technology; Carlos Antonio Delos Reyes in Hotel Reception; Roy Jhun Padecio in ICT Network Infrastructure; Abraham Badar and Roneil Arriesgado in Mechatronics; Alexis Joseph Anuta in Plumbing and Heating; Agxille Jade Langamin in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning; and, Lianna Kryzelle Verana in Restaurant Service.
More than 1,400 skilled young professionals from over 70 countries and regions around the world will gather in Shanghai, China, to compete in 64 skill areas at the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026. The global competition will showcase the talents, expertise, and dedication of young professionals as they demonstrate their competencies in their respective fields.
Philippine Team medalists in ASEAN and Taipei competitions
Anchored on the theme “Master Skills, Change Your Future,” the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026 will provide a global platform for competitors to benchmark their skills against international standards, exchange knowledge and experiences, and demonstrate the vital role of skills in shaping future careers and opportunities.
TESDA’s participation in international skills competitions is anchored on Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7796 or the TESDA Act of 1994, which mandates the Authority, with the active participation of private industries, to organize and conduct the Annual National Skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country in view of participating in international skills competitions.
Most of the country’s bets for this year’s WorldSkills Competition in China are also medalists from the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 and WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025, reflecting the Philippines’ growing presence and performance in international skills competitions.
The Philippine delegation includes: Head of Delegation Secretary Kiko Benitez; Official Delegate Deputy Director General Vidal Villauneva III; Official Observer DDG Gallo Glino III; Technical Delegate Regional Director Jovencio Ferrer, Jr.; and, Technical Delegate Assistants Executive Director David Bungallon and Engr. Dexter Hulleza, along with other official observers.
The Philippines’ participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 directly addresses President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s core directive to boost the global competitiveness of the Filipino workforce and institutionalize world-class standards in technical vocational education and training. (/)