PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 34, directing key government agencies to support and ensure the successful hosting of WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, scheduled this August.

The task force, to be chaired by the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and co-chaired by the Secretary of Labor, is mandated to oversee the seamless planning, preparation, and execution of the biennial regional skills competition.

“In accordance with their respective mandates, all departments, agencies, instrumentalities, bureaus, and offices of the national government—including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges—are hereby ordered to render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the Task Force in the implementation of this Order,” the President stated.

The interagency task force includes representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, the Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, Transportation, and Tourism, as well as from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Immigration.

This marks the second time the country will host the prestigious event, with the Philippines last welcoming the competition nearly 30 years ago in 1996. The WorldSkills ASEAN Competition brings together the region’s most skilled youth to compete in various vocational and technical fields.

Set for August 26–28 at the World Trade Center Manila, the 2025 edition will feature 32 official skills areas highlighting both the region’s key industries and emerging sectors.

Preparations are now underway for the event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates and competitors from across ASEAN, along with thousands of local spectators, partners, and industry stakeholders.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez welcomed the President’s directive, emphasizing that interagency collaboration will be crucial in ensuring smooth coordination in logistics, security, promotion, infrastructure, and overall event management.

“Our hosting goes beyond competition—it’s about nation-building. This is a platform to raise awareness on the value of technical education, bridge industry and training institutions, and prepare our youth for the jobs of the future,” Benitez said.