Village Connect
As technology rapidly transforms the workplace, Filipino students and young professionals are being challenged to develop skills that can compete beyond the country’s borders. This goal is taking center stage as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and AMA Education System (AMAES) continue their collaboration through WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026.
Held from September 7 to 11 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, the national skills competition gathered around 350 competitors representing TESDA’s 18 regional offices. Participants, who qualified through their respective Regional Skills Olympics, competed across 30 industry-focused skill areas under the theme “Your Skills, Your Future.”
The event provides young Filipinos with an opportunity to demonstrate technical knowledge, creativity, precision and problem-solving abilities while preparing promising competitors for higher levels of competition.
For AMA, supporting WorldSkills reflects its continuing commitment to technology-focused education and industry readiness.
“The Filipino has always had the talent to compete with the best in the world. What our young people need are the right education, training, technology and opportunities to demonstrate what they can do,” said Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System.
He added that AMA’s partnership with TESDA supports the development of Filipinos who are not
prepared for employment but capable of competing and leading in a technology-driven global economy
Partnership Grows Through WorldSkills
AMA’s involvement in the WorldSkills movement was formally strengthened in July 2025, when AMA Computer University, Inc. joined TESDA and other education and industry organizations in signing a Memorandum of Agreement supporting the Philippines’ hosting of the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.
The regional competition, held in Manila in August 2025, brought together more than 300 competitors from ASEAN Member States. It also marked the Philippines’ return as host of WorldSkills ASEAN after nearly three decades.
That partnership continued into WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, bringing the focus back to Filipino competitors seeking opportunities to advance to the international stage.
The national competition covers six major industry sectors, with disciplines ranging from manufacturing, engineering, construction, automotive technology, hospitality and creative industries to rapidly developing digital fields.
Information and Communication Technology competitions include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, ICT Network Infrastructure, IT Network Systems Administration, Software Applications Development and Web Technologies.
These areas closely reflect AMA’s educational roots. Established in 1980 by Aguiluz at a time when computer education was still emerging in the Philippines, AMA has built its identity around preparing students for developments in technology.
“Education cannot afford to wait for technology to change the world before we begin preparing our students for it,” Aguiluz said. “We have to anticipate the skills that will matter tomorrow and give young Filipinos the opportunity to master them today.”
From National Competition to Global Stage
WorldSkills Philippines also serves as an important pathway toward international competition. Outstanding competitors, including eligible gold and silver medalists, may have opportunities to represent the Philippines in WorldSkills ASEAN, WorldSkills Asia and WorldSkills International events.
TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez has emphasized that WorldSkills brings together some of the country’s most talented young people while encouraging excellence, innovation and lifelong learning.
The national competition also fulfills TESDA’s mandate under Republic Act No. 7796, or the TESDA Act of 1994, to organize national skills competitions that promote quality skills development and prepare Filipinos for international competition.
As artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation and other emerging technologies continue changing industries, partnerships between government, educational institutions and the private sector are becoming increasingly important.
Through WorldSkills, TESDA provides the national platform and internationally aligned standards, while institutions such as AMA help develop the education and technological foundation young people need to participate.
From WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 to WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the collaboration carries a consistent objective: provide Filipino talent with the training, technology and opportunities needed to compete at increasingly higher levels.
For the next generation of Filipino skills champions, reaching the global stage begins with developing their capabilities at home.
Loading…