First General Assembly Sets Direction for WorldSkills Philippines Competition 2026

TESDA–WorldSkills Philippines successfully conducted the First General Assembly for the 21st National Skills Olympics, officially branded as the WorldSkills Philippines Competition 2026


The assembly gathered Official and Technical Delegates from TESDA Regional Offices to decide on key technical and organizational matters and to align preparations with the WorldSkills International (WSI) format, standards, and brand. The proceedings were presided over by ROMO Executive Director David B. Bungallon, Chair of the General Assembly, with DDG Vidal D. Villanueva III, Regional Director Jovencio M. Ferrer, Jr., and WorldSkills Philippines Head Engr. Dexter Hulleza.

The GA produced an initial list of 37 official skills and 18 demonstration skills, with regional offices given until December 17 to finalize their entries. While the National Capital Region was initially proposed as host, Ilocos Region and Central Luzon were also identified as potential host regions, subject to evaluation.

Industry partners Norde International Distributors, Hytec Power, Inc., FESTO Philippines, and HRDC presented proposed new and emerging skill areas to ensure relevance to industry needs and global trends.

Formerly known as the Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC), the competition’s rebranding and alignment with WorldSkills were undertaken under the directive of DDG Villanueva, with the support of TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, building on the Philippines’ strong performance at WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.

The two-day event also featured a Welcome Dinner, talent showcases by the Sisters of Mary School, Jaycom Dance Troupe, Christina Dela Cruz, and a traditional prayer chant by the AKO Katribo Manobo Tribe, highlighting unity and cultural heritage.