Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA) Director General/Secretary Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong praised Team Philippines after the group won Silver and Bronze medals at the 12th Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Skills Competition “WorldSkills Bangkok 2018” held in Bangkok, Thailand from Aug 31 to Sept 2.

Mamondiong says that the winning performance of Team Philippines in skills competition only proves that the country’s technical-vocational education and training (TVET) is effective and world-class.

“We are very proud of our competitors and their coaches. Not only have they brought honor to the country but they have also cast a very favorable light on Philippine TVET and on all our skilled workers. Congratulations, Team Philippines!” says Mamondiong.

Ramon Bong Bautista, of Region lll, brought home a Silver Medal from the Visual Graphic Technology category. He also won the Best in Nation award as the leading competitor from the Philippines.

The Bronze Medal award went to Leonido Lomoljo, of Region lX, competitor in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; and John Leonard Ramos, Region I, Hairdressing.

Eight Filipino competitors received the Medallion for Excellence award. They are Marc Dave Perez, Region lV-A, Restaurant Service; John Jay Abinal, Region V, Electrical Installations; Benedict Hornido, CARAGA, Graphic Design Technology; Heinrich Omlaan, Region Xl,  Welding Technology; Anthony Cabigayan, Region lll, IT Software Solutions for Business; Joeminel U.  Cutcharo, Region Vlll, Automobile Technology; Marvin Madla, Region lll, IT Network System Administration and Patrick Neil Noceja, National Capital Region (NCR), Web Design and Development.

Team Philippines is composed of 331 competitors and 260 experts (coaches).

Held every two years, the ASEAN Skills Competition is said to be the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in ASEAN countries.

One of the legacies of the ASEAN Skills Competition is to give importance to professional education, as a component of socio-economic transformation. (END)