By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Davao Region (TESDA-11) honored Team Agila on Tuesday during a post-evaluation and recognition program for participants of WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
TESDA-11 Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi said at a press briefing that the region takes pride in the accomplishments of the young skilled professionals who represented Davao Region in both national and international skills competitions.
At WorldSkills Philippines Clark, Team Agila placed second among 18 regions after earning five gold, three silver abd five bronze medals, and three Medallions for Excellence.
The team’s gold medals came in Plumbing and Heating, Prototype Modelling, Wall and Floor Tiling, Artificial Intelligence, and Carpentry.
Silver medals came from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Mechatronics, and Graphic Design Technology, while bronze medals were secured in ICT Network Infrastructure, Hairdressing, Cooking, Restaurant Service and Bakery.
Davao Region’s representatives in Additive Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Beauty Therapy also received Medallions for Excellence.
Despite the strong performance, Mapandi said the region continues to aspire for a podium finish in the international WorldSkills competition.
“A medal finish remains a milestone we aspire to achieve. Their Shanghai experience provides valuable lessons to support that aspiration,” she said.
Mapandi noted that the post-evaluation activity would allow competitors, coaches and experts to share insights on their preparations, challenges encountered, and lessons learned during the competition.
She added that the discussions would help TESDA and partner institutions strengthen future preparations and improve the region’s performance in succeeding WorldSkills competitions.
Meanwhile, Eugene Valdez, a member of the Philippine delegation that competed in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning skill category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 from Sept. 22 to 24, said they may not have won an award but came close to earning a Medallion for Excellence.
“In our skill area, a total of 27 countries participated. We were fortunate to place 15th,” he said, noting that it was their first time at the competition.
Valdez said the team faced challenges in problem-solving and critical thinking during the competition.
WorldSkills is an international competition that showcases the technical and vocational skills of young professionals from various countries and regions.
A total of 64 skill areas were contested in Shanghai, with the Philippines participating in 11, including three entries from Davao Region.
In WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, competitors vied in 30 skill areas, 27 of which were entered by Davao Region. (PNA)
