The Philippines has put its preparations in high gear for its hosting of the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 from August 25 to 30, with the main competition to be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez, who chairs the interagency task force for the hosting of the international event, personally visited the Filipino competitors during their final training sessions at the agency’s complex in Taguig last August 20, and shared his thoughts on the benefits of the competition.
“WorldSkills creates specific competency standards in selected or particular skill domains. Bahagi po ito ng ating paninigurado na ang ating itinuturo [sa TESDA] ay at par with the rest of the world. The aspiration is to ensure that we are at par with global standards in terms of the kind of skills we have,” said Sec. Kiko in an interview during his visit.
“Isang malaking benefit talaga ng WorldSkills, makikita natin kung gaano kagaling yung ibang bansa, [at] pwede tayong sumubok sa panibagong emerging skills. Hopefully, we can convey not only the importance of the skills training to industry but to propagate the skills training for our workforce,” added the TESDA chief.
Preparations are now in their final stages, covering infrastructure, logistics, competition equipment, and coordination with ASEAN counterparts. The opening ceremony is set on August 25 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, while the closing ceremony will cap the event on August 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Last August 19, Sec. Kiko also led the send-off ceremony for the Philippine delegation for the international competition. On the same day, the Secretary convened the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force to finalize preparations for the country’s hosting of the competition.
Aside from the competition itself, TESDA will hold a series of exciting side events that will complement the main skills competition and enrich the experience for delegates, students, and the public.
Visitors at the World Trade Center Metro Manila can look forward to a vibrant skills exhibition that will showcase the latest tools, technologies, and innovations in technical-vocational fields, offering an interactive space for students, educators, and industry leaders to experience emerging trends firsthand.
Delegates will also take part in an excursion program that highlights the country’s cultural landmarks, historical sites, and innovation hubs, allowing them to immerse themselves in the Philippines’ rich heritage and dynamic growth sectors.
Adding a unique cultural exchange component, the One School, One Country program will pair each participating ASEAN country with a local school where students will have the opportunity to share Filipino traditions while learning about the diverse cultures of their ASEAN neighbors.
Meanwhile, at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City an education and career guidance program will provide seminars, talks, and counseling sessions that aim to connect young people and job seekers with industry experts and skills champions, helping them explore career pathways and understand the evolving demands of the labor market.
The WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 will bring together hundreds of skilled youth from across Southeast Asia to compete in 32 skill areas.
