THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has tapped more industry partners and tech-voc stakeholders for the much-anticipated WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, scheduled this August.

Over 30 technical-vocational education and training (TVET) stakeholders have expressed support for the event, with many participating in the mass memorandum of agreement signing ceremony held on July 4 in Pasay City.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in ensuring the event’s success.

“We are proud to work alongside our valued partners in industry and education to bring this international event to life. Together, we will elevate the profile of the TVET sector in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,” Benitez said.

Among TESDA’s key partners are: Achievers, Artemisplus Express Inc., Astoria Achi and AAHRMEI, Best Drive International/SATA, BOCX/ICTCIA, Daikin, Felta, FELTA GWM/Luxuriant Automotive Group, Hexatronics, Hocheng Philippines/HCG, and Hypertech Wire and Cables, Inc.

TESDA has also collaborated with a growing list of partners, including: Ledesma School of Skills Development Inc., Lorae Institute, MIHCA, Manhattan Chemical Corp., Middleby, MSI, Philippine Army, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Inc., Pilmico Foods Corporation, Pwersa, Samsung Philippines, Savoroso, Schneider Electric Philippines, Shining 3D, Siemens, Unitec Pipe Manufacturing Corporation, and Zhonghui Yungi Group.

Industry support includes the use of company equipment and facilities for training Philippine competitors or during the main competition itself.

The signing ceremony was among the highlights of the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 media launch, which also featured an exhibit by partner companies showcasing cutting-edge technology to be used during the competition.

Also at the launch, several NCR tech-voc associations offered ASEAN cuisine tastings, including Pasay-Makati TESD Educators, Assessors & AC Managers, ONE CAMANAVA (CAMANAVA Alliance of TVET Schools & Alliance of Colleges and Technical Vocational Institutions of Metro Manila North), Technical Vocational Institutions of Metro Manila North, Technical Vocational Schools Association of the Philippines – Quezon City, Association of TVET Schools in Manila Inc., and PAMAMARISAN Technical Vocational Schools Association.

“These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to equipping the next generation of skilled professionals with industry-relevant competencies and shaping a more competitive, future-ready ASEAN workforce,” Benitez added.

WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 is expected to attract thousands of local and international delegates, industry leaders, and youth champions in TVET. The event, set for August 26–28, will also feature exhibits, tech demonstrations, and cultural showcases highlighting Filipino innovation and hospitality.