Young technical-vocational talents from across Leyte showcased their industry-ready skills as the province hosted the WorldSkills Philippines Eastern Visayas–Leyte 2026, showcasing the growing strength of technical education in the region.
The competition brought together participants from 10 technical-vocational (tech-voc) schools and training centers, including institutions supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Students and trainees demonstrated their abilities in a wide range of skill areas aligned with industry demand.
Organized by the TESDA Leyte Provincial Office, the event opened at the ACLC College of Tacloban and served as a platform for identifying the region’s top tech-voc talents who may eventually represent the Philippines in international competitions.
Competitors had also showcased their expertise in several categories, including cooking, baking, hotel reception, restaurant services, plumbing and heating, electrical installation, welding, automotive technology, refrigeration and air conditioning, IT network systems administration, cybersecurity, software application development, web technologies, and graphic design technology.
Engr. Enrico Banario, provincial director of TESDA Leyte, said the competition highlights the role of skilled workers in national development.
“This is more than just a competition as it is a platform to recognize the importance of skilled workers in nation-building,” Banario said.
Officials emphasized that technical-vocational education provides a faster pathway to employment compared to traditional academic routes.
According to Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, tech-voc programs allow many young Filipinos to gain practical skills without the high costs of a four-year college degree.
“With a small percentage of high school students ever getting a college degree, technical-vocational courses can equip them with job-ready skills in a shorter period of time,” Petilla said.
TESDA data and regional programs also highlight the accessibility of these courses, many of which are offered through government scholarships or free training initiatives. Graduates often enter the workforce within months after completing certification programs.
The winners of the provincial tilt will advance to the regional competition and later to the WorldSkills Philippines National Competition, where they will compete against top talents from across the country.
National champions will then have the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition, a biennial event showcasing the best vocational talents from Southeast Asian nations. The next edition is scheduled to be hosted by Indonesia in 2027.
With increasing demand for skilled workers in fields such as construction, hospitality, and information technology, the competition underscores Leyte’s commitment to producing globally competitive Filipino talent.
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