By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
TAGUIG CITY – As part of its 30th Anniversary Celebration, the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) is set to hold the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC)\at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from August 21-25.
The 2024 PNSC kick off ceremony was held on Monday (Aug. 5) at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City.
The TESDA officially started the countdown for the 2024 PNSC, featuring selected competitors and representatives from the regions, and industry partners, with more than 200 competitors nationwide will gather and compete in 25 different skill areas.
Vidal D. Villanueva III, Chairperson of 2024 PNSC National Organizing Committee & Deputy Director General of TESDA, acknowledged the presence of TESDA officials and guests, including Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Mangudadatu, the Philippines’ youngest governor.
Villanueva noted the skill areas such as Cybersecurity, Information Network Cabling, IT Network Systems Administration, IT Software Solutions for Business, Web Technologies, CNC Maintenance, Electronics, Carpentry, Mechatronics, Welding, Cabinet Making and Cooking.
He stressed the other skills are Hotel Reception, Plumbing and Heating, Hairdressing, Wall and Floor Tiling, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Restaurant Service, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Beauty Therapy, Bakery, Electrical Installations, Fashion Technology, Graphic Design Technology, and Automobile Technology.
Villanueva expressed the hope that TESDA will also produce world champion like Carlos Yulo, the two-time gold medalist in gymnastics in the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.
He cited Secretary Mangudadatu’s tireless effort and unwavering support in the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition.
TESDA Director General Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu said that the competition serves as a platform to recognize the exceptional skills of young industry workers and graduates from technical vocational schools and training centers.
As part of the kickoff ceremony, TESDA and industry partners signed a pledge of commitment to collaborate on the 2024 PNSC.
The pledge of commitment says “We, from the private sector, recognize the importance of a skilled workforce for economic growth we acknowledge the vital role that the National Skills Competition plays in promoting skills development, celebrating talent, and fostering a culture of excellence.”
“Therefore, as partners of the Technical Education and Skills Department Authority, we pledge our commitment to support the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition. We will support skills areas that align with our industry needs and expertise. We will enable participants to showcase their skills with confidence and excellence.”
“As we collectively pledge our commitment to support the 2024 PNSC, We take this as an opportunity
Among others, the partners for this year’s PNSC include Kitchen City, Gold town Industrial Sales Corp., Hytec Power Inc. with Yatong, Dolang, Doosan, and Schneider Electric, Hexatronics, Festo Middleby Philippines, KNX Training, Astoria Culinary & Hospitality Institute, David’s Salon, DOOH, Felta, Equilibrium Intertrade Corp., Grab Philippines, Hypertech Corp., Mineski Philippines, and NCR Alliance of TVET Schools Association.
Likewise, featured during the kickoff rites were selected competitors and representatives from the regions and previous international skills competitions winners.
The winners of the 2024 PNSC will have the chance to represent the Philippines in the upcoming 2025 ASEAN Skills Competition which will be held in the country.
Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7796, otherwise known as the “TESDA Act of 1994”, mandates that TESDA, with the active participation from private industries, shall organize annual skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country and prepare participants for international skills competitions.
“Our mission at TESDA has always been to provide world-class skills and training that empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential,” Sec. Suharto T. Mangudadatu stressed.
“Through activities like the 2024 PNSC, we aim to showcase the incredible abilities of our participants, highlighting the vital role of technical skills in nation-building and economic progress,” he added.
Mangudadatu acknowledged the TESDA officials, especially Undersecretary for Operations John Vertis, Gov. Mangudadatu, TESDA provincial and regional officials, and industry partners.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the National Organizing Committee and its members.
“Ito po ay karangalan sa ating bansa. Karangalan sa Pilipinas. Karangalan sa Bagong Pilipinas. Karangalan kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. It will be the first time that the Philippine National Skills Competition will be held in the World Trade Center,” Sec. Mangudadatu said.
The last PNSC was held in 2023, when Region IV-A (Cavite/Laguna/Batangas/Rizal/Quezon) topped the national skills competition after garnering four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in various skills areas.
Also present during the kickoff ceremony were other TESDA’s top officials namely, Usec. Rosanna A. Urdaneta, Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning, and Usec. Felizardo R. Colambo, Deputy Director General for Special Concerns.
NCR Alliance of TVET Schools Association, Industry Partners, NOC Vice Chair & Directors-in-Charge, Assistant Executive Directors, Executive Directors, Regional Directors, among others.
