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SHANGHAI, China — Finally! At long last, a medal for the Philippines!
And Carlos Antonio Delos Reyes defied the long drought to stand at the podium which every competitor wants and craves for.
Delos Reyes registered the honor and made history for the Philippines by capturing a Bronze Medal in Hotel Reception, and the “Best of Nation” title at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.
This victory marks the country’s first international podium finish at the prestigious global skills competition in nearly three decades, with the last medal won by Gerrelen Diaz in Switzerland back in 1997. Delos Reyes, with expert Nomer Yuzon, both from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, outperformed top young professionals from around the globe, proving that world-class Filipino talent stands out on the international stage.
Meanwhile, two other members of the Philippine delegation were also recognized with Medals for Excellence, a special award given to competitors who passed the international standards score of 700 points or more on the official WorldSkills grading scale, but fell short of the bronze, silver or gold medals.
James Cavin Sayago, engineering student of Camarines Sur Polytechnic College received a Medal for Excellence in Electrical Installations, with Jovencio Panida and Eddie Cabaltera serving as his expert and coach, respectively, while Hannah Krystelle Caintic of TESDA Regional Training Center-NCR earned a Medal for Excellence in Graphic Design Technology, guided by expert Demetrio Pable, Jr.
TESDA, governing body of WorldSkills Philippines
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez congratulated the Filipino competitors, saying their performance in Shanghai reflects the capability of Filipino skilled workers to compete on the global stage.
“More than the medals and distinctions, their performance is a source of inspiration for other Filipinos pursuing careers in technical-vocational education and training. We will continue to provide our skills champions with opportunities to compete, learn, and benchmark their competencies on the international stage,” Benitez said.
TESDA is the primary governing body of WorldSkills Philippines, the country’s official platform in promoting skills excellence and global competitiveness in technical vocational education and training. The conduct of regional and national skills competitions and participation on international platforms is in collaboration with government and industry partners.
The country sent 11 delegates to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 who competed in 10 skill areas: Bakery, Beauty Therapy, Electrical Installations, Graphic Design Technology, Hotel Reception, ICT Network Infrastructure, Mechatronics, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Restaurant Service.
The agency said that the Philippine participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 directly responds to the President’s directive to strengthen the global competitiveness of the Filipino workforce and institutionalize world-class standards in TVET.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of strengthening TVET, practical skills development, and industry-aligned training as part of efforts to prepare Filipinos for future jobs and opportunities. In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, the President highlighted the expansion of TVET and skills development, including initiatives aimed at preparing Filipinos for employment and emerging industries. (/)