THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has sent six skilled and certified youths to compete in different skill areas at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France this September 10-15.

TESDA Director General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez led the send-off ceremony for the Philippine delegation last September 2 at the agency’s central office in Taguig.

“Kayo ay patunay ng malaking potential ng Pilipino. You represent the best of the Filipinos. This is our mission in TESDA: unlock the potential of our workforce,” Benitez said in his speech.

Christian Lazarus Asanza from Camarines Sur will be competing in the Electrical Installations skill area; Kylle Brigette Dingding of Cebu in Graphic Design Technology; Paul Mark Yu of Sorsogon in IT Software Solutions for Business; Allen S. Gacweng of Benguet in Cooking; Klaudette Chriselle Maloles of Laguna in Bakery; and, Gwyneth Nicole Abarquez of Batangas in Restaurant Service.

According to Deputy Director General Vidal Villanueva III, who is also the country’s Official Delegate to WorldSkills, the competition is not just a showcase of technical skills but a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

“Our participation in this event underscores TESDA’s commitment to raising the bar of technical education and skills development in the Philippines,” Villanueva said.

The WorldSkills Competition, organized every two years under the support of WorldSkills International, provides an opportunity for young professionals to compete with others from all over the world.

This year, a total of 59 skill areas across different sectors will be featured in the competition.

It can be recalled that Philippine competitors have had significant success in previous WorldSkills competitions such as during the WorldSkills Competitions 2022 Special Edition in Switzerland when the country brought home a Medallion for Excellence. Likewise, in the WorldSkills 2019 Competition in Russia, the Philippine delegation received two Medallions for Excellence.

The Medallion for Excellence is granted to competitors whose performance meet international standards based on the criteria set by WorldSkills International.

Most of the country’s bets for this year’s WorldSkills Competition in France were also recipients of the Medallion for Excellence during the 13th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition held in Singapore in 2023.

Section 30 of the Republic Act 7796 or the TESDA Act of 1994 states that TESDA, with the active participation of private industries, shall organize annual skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country in view of participating in International Skills Competitions.