A Filipino competitor has secured a podium finish at one of the world’s major skills competitions, giving the Philippines its first international medal at the event in nearly three decades.
Carlos Antonio Delos Reyes won the bronze medal in hotel reception at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, while the Philippine delegation also received the Best of Nation title, according to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
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PH Returns to WorldSkills Podium
The achievement marked the country’s first international podium finish at the prestigious global skills competition since 1997, when Gerrelen Diaz won the last Philippine medal in Switzerland.
“This victory marks the country’s first international podium finish at the prestigious global skills competition in nearly three decades, with the last medal won by Gerrelen Diaz in Switzerland back in 1997,” Tesda said.
Delos Reyes competed with expert Nomer Yuzon, with both representing the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas. Tesda said the pair “outperformed top young professionals from around the globe,” proving that world-class Filipino talent stands out on the international stage.
Two other members of the Philippine delegation also received medals for excellence. James Cavin Sayago, an engineering student at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, was recognized in electrical installations, while Hannah Krystelle Caintic of the Tesda Regional Training Center-National Capital Region received recognition in graphic design technology.
Jovencio Panida and Eddie Cabaltera served as expert and coach, respectively, for Sayago. Caintic was mentored by expert Demetrio Pable Jr.
11 Delegates Compete in 10 Skill Areas
Tesda explained that a medal of excellence is awarded to competitors who reach the international standards score of 700 points or more on the official WorldSkills grading scale but do not place among the bronze, silver or gold medalists.
Tesda Secretary Kiko Benitez congratulated the Filipino competitors, highlighting the significance of their performance beyond the awards themselves.
“More than the medals and distinctions, their performance is a source of inspiration for other Filipinos pursuing careers in technical-vocational education and training,” Benitez said.
“We will continue to provide our skills champions with opportunities to compete, learn, and benchmark their competencies on the international stage,” he added.
The Philippines sent 11 delegates to the competition, with representatives competing across 10 skill areas: bakery, beauty therapy, electrical installations, graphic design technology, hotel reception, information and communications technology network infrastructure, mechatronics, plumbing and heating, refrigeration and air conditioning, and restaurant service.
The results put technical-vocational skills in the spotlight as a pathway for Filipino talent to compete beyond the country. With 11 delegates representing the Philippines across 10 disciplines, the performance also shows how international competitions can give skilled workers and students a platform to demonstrate competencies that translate directly into employment and professional opportunities.
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