tTAGUIG CITY --  The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has opened its week-long 2021 Regional Skills Competition.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña led the opening program of the skills competition on November 8 at TESDA Multipurpose Gymnasium. The said skills competition will run until November 12.

In his speech, Lapeña said that the skills competition is an avenue for the participants to showcase their skills and expertise in their respective technical vocational fields.

“Being a competitor, you are already a winner as you gain more experience in this competition. Always remember that winning is not just about the medal or the top prize. Winning is putting all your best efforts whatever the circumstances and embracing all the lessons you gained from the experience,” he said.

A total of 35 graduates from six districts of NCR – CaMaNaVa (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela), PasMak (Pasay, Makati), PaMaMariSan (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan), MuntiParLasTaPat (Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Pateros), Manila City, and Quezon City are competing for 19 skill areas.

The 19 skills areas are Cooking, Restaurant Service, Welding Technology, 3D Art Game, Graphic Design Technology, IT Network System Administration, Web Design, and Technology, Mechanical Engineering CAD, IT Software Solutions for Business, Bakery, Fashion Technology, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Plastic Die Engineering, Mechatronics, Automobile Technology, Industrial Automation, Electrical Installation, and Information Network Cabling.

Meanwhile, Taguig City 2nd District Representative Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano expressed support to TESDA and to the event saying that skills training is the “biggest investment” especially during this time of pandemic.

“Sana po sa kompetisyong ito, pangalawa lang dapat ang ‘yung goal na manalo. Ang number one dapat ay ang maipakita ang kahusayan ng Pilipino. This competition is a celebration of Filipino talents,” she said.

Also present during the opening program were TESDA-NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico Jr, District Directors in TESDA-NCR, NCR TESD Committee Chair Engr. Gamaliel Itao, and NCR Alliance of TVET Schools Association (NATSA) President Dr. Danilo Ayap.

Other regions nationwide are also conducting their respective Regional Skills Competition. The winners in this year's Regional Skills Competition will represent their region for the National Skills Competition, and if given the opportunity, will represent the Philippines for the World Skills Competition in Shanghai, China.

Section 30 of the Republic Act 7796 (The TESDA Act of 1994) states that TESDA, with the active participation of private industries, shall organize annual skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country and the view of participating in International Skills Competitions. (TESDA)