Clark:Davao Team Agila, representing the Davao Region, was celebrated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-11) for their outstanding performance at WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 and their participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The recognition took place during a post-evaluation program honoring the participants’ achievements.
According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA-11 Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi expressed pride in the accomplishments of the young skilled professionals. Team Agila placed second among 18 regions at the national competition in Clark, earning five gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, along with three Medallions for Excellence.
The gold medals were awarded in the categories of Plumbing and Heating, Prototype Modelling, Wall and Floor Tiling, Artificial Intelligence, and Carpentry. Silver medals were achieved in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Mechatronics, and Graphic Design Technology. Bronze medals were secured in ICT Network Infrastructure, Hairdressing, Cooking, Restaurant Service, and Bakery. Additionally, Davao Region's representatives in Additive Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Beauty Therapy received Medallions for Excellence.
Despite the strong national showing, Mapandi emphasized the region's ambition for a podium finish at the international level, citing the valuable lessons gained from their Shanghai experience. The post-evaluation activity was designed for competitors, coaches, and experts to discuss their preparations, challenges, and insights, aiming to enhance the region's future performance.
Eugene Valdez, who participated in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, shared that their team placed 15th among 27 countries. He noted that while they did not win an award, they were close to earning a Medallion for Excellence. Valdez highlighted the challenges faced in problem-solving and critical thinking during the competition.
WorldSkills is a global event that showcases the technical and vocational skills of young professionals. In Shanghai, 64 skill areas were contested, with the Philippines competing in 11, including three entries from Davao Region. At WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the Davao Region participated in 27 out of 30 skill areas.
