THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority brought together representatives from various government agencies to lay down the initial groundwork for the country’s hosting of the Worldskills ASEAN Philippines skills competition in 2025.

The Inter-Agency Meeting for the National Organizing Committee for WSASEAN2025 was held last May 6 at TESDA’s Women’s Center in Taguig City.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting the event, and emphasized its significance in driving economic growth and workforce competitiveness.

“This international competition is an opportunity for our skilled workforce to demonstrate their expertise and set new benchmarks for skills training and education in our country. It will also encourage collaboration and networking among participants, trainers, experts, and industry representatives from across the ASEAN region,” Manggudadatu said.

“Being the host country for the next WorldSkills ASEAN Competition is not only an acknowledgment of our commitment, it can also boost the nation’s reputation as a hub for vocational excellence,” the TESDA chief added.

The presider of the meeting, TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Aniceto Bertiz III, believes that through a whole-of-a-government approach, the country can ensure the success of the upcoming WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.

“TESDA has been entrusted with leading this momentous event, drawing upon its expertise and commitment to advancing skills development. However, TESDA cannot do it alone. Success requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, industry partners, and community organizations,” Bertiz III said.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the formation of the National Organizing Committee tasked with overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of WorldSkills ASEAN Philippines 2025.

The NOC will work closely with relevant government agencies, private sector partners, and international counterparts to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.

Present during the inter-agency meeting were representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of Health, Presidential Security Group, Bureau of Fire Protection, Occupational Safety and Health Center, Philippine Coast Guard, and Radio Television Malacañang.

The WorldSkills ASEAN is a biennial competition that showcases the skills and talents of young professionals across different vocational trades, ranging from technology to hospitality. The WorldSkills ASEAN Philippines 2025 is set to take place in August 2025.