ELEVEN young Filipino champions are gearing up to represent the nation on the global stage at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled for September 22 to 27, 2026.
The delegates were officially sent off following the closing ceremony of WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 in Pampanga, transitioning from regional and national triumphs to international contention.
Armed with technical guidance from expert mentors, the Philippine contingent will go head-to-head with over 1,400 competitors from 70 countries across 64 skill categories.
The national roster features Bea Hermosora (Bakery), Aliyah Chiecel Fernandez (Beauty Therapy), James Cavin Sayago (Electrical Installations), Hannah Krystelle Caintic (Graphic Design Technology), Carlos Antonio Delos Reyes (Hotel Reception), Roy Jhun Padecio (ICT Network Infrastructure), Abraham Badar and Roneil Arriesgado (Mechatronics), Alexis Joseph Anuta (Plumbing and Heating), Agxille Jade Langamin (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning), and Lianna Kryzelle Verana (Restaurant Service).
Many of these competitors previously secured medals at WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 and WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez expressed unwavering confidence in the team, likening them to the country’s top athletic figures.
“Our competitors carry with them their talent, and the pride and aspirations of the Filipino people. Sila ang Gilas at ang Alex Eala natin sa skills,” Sec. Benitez stated.
“WorldSkills is more than a competition. It is a platform for our young skilled professionals to learn from the best, raise the standards of excellence, and demonstrate the value of skills in building meaningful careers,” added Benitez.
Guided by the theme “Master Skills, Change Your Future,” the event allows participants to benchmark their abilities against global standards.
The country’s delegation is led by Sec. Benitez, alongside key officials including Deputy Directors General Vidal Villanueva III and Gallo Glino III, and Regional Director Jovencio Ferrer, Jr.
