Forty of Central Visayas’ top young technical vocational students and trainees will compete in 17 skill categories when the WorldSkills Philippines Central Visayas Regional Skills Olympics 2026 opens on June 2 at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 7 compound in Cebu City.
The three day competition, which runs until June 4, will test participants in fields such as ICT network infrastructure, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, welding, automotive technology, electronics, bakery, cooking, and restaurant service under international standards.
The event serves as a qualifying stage for competitors seeking to advance to national and international WorldSkills competitions.
TESDA 7 Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr. said the competition supports efforts to strengthen Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and prepare a highly skilled workforce.
“This event will promote moral values among our competitors, instill the value of technical-vocational education in our youth, and foster camaraderie and stronger relationships with industries and the private sector,” Vicente said.
He added that exposing participants to global standards helps develop not only technical competencies but also professionalism, discipline, and innovation.
Among the competitors is Anilie Bajado, a second year Mechatronics student at Don Bosco Technical College enrolled in TESDA’s Diploma in Electrical Technology program.
“Joining this competition is an opportunity and a challenge kay need pa gyud namo ma-improve among skills para ma-meet namo ang standard, and opportunity sad sya to showcase our excellence and to inspire other youths,” Bajado said.
She said competing in a field traditionally dominated by men motivates her to work harder, particularly in technical tasks requiring precision, stamina, and focus.
Fellow Don Bosco student Darnel James Tapican said dedication and continuous learning have been key to his preparation, especially as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into mechatronics.
Meanwhile, John Paul Cinco of the University of Cebu said his team aims to improve on its previous provincial level gold medal performance.
“We are competing against world-class standards, and we continue to prepare ourselves to meet the required marking scheme,” Cinco said.
Coaches said competitors have undergone intensive preparation to meet international benchmarks.
Teofrenz Ycot said trainees regularly participate in extended practice sessions after class, including time pressured exercises designed to simulate actual competition conditions.
University of Cebu coach Jeff Salimbangon said balancing training schedules with final examinations has been one of the biggest challenges for student competitors.
He noted that ICT Network Infrastructure remains one of the most resource intensive categories because schools and participants must provide their own tools and equipment.
While awaiting access to equipment, Salimbangon said students have been studying international competition videos and technical demonstrations to familiarize themselves with global standards and judging criteria.
The Regional Skills Olympics forms part of the WorldSkills movement, which promotes excellence in technical vocational education and showcases the skills of young workers across various industries.
Photo courtesy of PIA
Comments