Showcasing Caraganons’ world-class industrial skills through TESDA’s WorldSkills contest
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The WorldSkills Philippines Caraga Region 2026 highlighted the growing role of technical-vocational education in driving regional development, gathering young competitors, trainers, and industry partners to showcase their world-class skills nurtured through programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
It began with a motorcade around the Agusan del Sur Provincial Government Center on April 27, marking the start of a three-day regional skills competition at the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Reyvin P. Acac, a 19-year-old student in Engineering Technology, major in Construction Supervision, and a competitor in Masonry (Bricklaying), expressed gratitude for the learning opportunities, skills training, and support provided by TESDA for his studies and family.
“It is my first time to compete, and TESDA has helped me a lot. TESDA is affordable and has supported me through its scholarship program, which enabled me to earn a National Certificate (NC). My family was grateful when they learned that I received a TESDA scholarship because it helped lessen the burden of my allowance, boarding house, and other expenses,” said Acac.
“It is my goal to compete at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) level and represent our school. Part of my preparation includes improving my movements and enhancing my accuracy,” he added.
Agusan del Sur second district Representative Adolph Edward Plaza welcomed the participants and encouraged the competing youth to pursue their dreams and achieve them through the said competition.
“We are now at a point where the demand for labor is changing and evolving at lightning speed. Industries must adapt and keep pace with the new opportunities emerging across different fields. Even with the rise of AI, there is a growing need for workers who are equipped with relevant, practical, and productive skills,” said Plaza.
“There are many opportunities because our skilled workers, such as electricians and others, are aging. You are the ones who will replace them. Some of you may dream of working abroad, and I know there are countries in need of your skills. We do not stop you from pursuing those aspirations. Congratulations to all of you,” he added.
TESDA Caraga Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., CESO III, shared the number of participants and provinces they represent.
“Our participants are from the five provinces of our region: Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands. It is composed of thirty-six competitors from 12 different fields,” said Dir. Sunico.
“The competitors here are the champions at the provincial level, and now we are at the regional level of the WorldSkills competition. After the national level, we will have the WorldSkills ASEAN competition. We hosted it last year, and the next peak is the WorldSkills proper,” he added.
More than a contest of talent, the gathering served as a platform of hope and opportunity for the youth, proving that through technical-vocational education, discipline, and determination, local champions can rise from the region to represent Caraga in national, ASEAN, and even global competitions. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
