Bangsamoro Kicks Off World Skills Regional Competition, Spotlighting Youth Talent at Cotabato State University

Bangsamoro Region Showcases Rising Tech Talent at World skills Competition

Cotabato City, Philippines – The Future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was on full display Monday as the World Skills Bangsamoro Region competition commenced at Cotabato State University (CotSU). The week-long event, running through February 6th, is designed to identify and nurture the region’s most skilled young professionals.

Empowering youth Through Skills Development

under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Skills, Elevating the Bangsamoro,” the competition features participants demonstrating proficiency in critical fields, including Data and Dialogue Technology (ICT) network infrastructure, IT system administration, electrical installation, carpentry, and culinary arts. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for skilled workers both regionally and nationally.

Ruby Andong,Director General of the Ministry of Basic,Higher and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD),affirmed the BARMM government’s unwavering commitment to TVET learners. “We will continue to provide skills training within our capacity to empower Bangsamoro youth,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of investing in the region’s human capital.

Pathways to National Recognition

Regional champions will receive advanced training in readiness for the national World Skills competition, with the goal of securing a gold medal for BARMM.The competition, originally slated for the previous year, was rescheduled to accommodate other regional priorities. This year’s event drew 20 participants from Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, sulu, Tawi-tawi, and Cotabato City.

The importance of TVET is amplified by the Philippines’ ongoing economic growth. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country’s unemployment rate stood at 3.9% as of October 2023, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to fill available positions. Learn More about Philippine Labor Statistics

Real-World Impact: A Participant’s Story

Bai Shahara Lumanggal,a 21-year-old participant from Sultan Kudarat,maguindanao del Norte,specializing in IT network cabling,shared how her newly acquired skills have already created income-generating opportunities. “I am truly thankful because learning this technical skill has not only enhanced my abilities, but it also given me opportunities to earn additional income,” lumanggal said. This underscores the practical benefits of TVET programs in addressing economic challenges and fostering self-sufficiency.

World Skills Competition: A Swift Overview

Category	Description	Importance to BARMM
ICT Network Infrastructure	Designing, building, and maintaining computer networks.	Crucial for regional connectivity and digital development.
IT System Administration	Managing and maintaining computer systems and servers.	Supports efficient governance and public services.
Electrical Installation	Installing and maintaining electrical systems.	Essential for infrastructure development and safety.
Carpentry	construction and repair of wooden structures.	Supports local construction and housing initiatives.
Cooking	Culinary skills and food preparation.	Promotes tourism and local gastronomy.

The success of the regional winners will directly contribute to the Philippines’ overall performance in the international World Skills competition, a prestigious event that showcases the talents of young skilled professionals from around the globe. Explore World Skills International

Do you believe increased investment in TVET programs is vital for regional development? What additional skills should be prioritized to meet the evolving needs of the Bangsamoro region?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation about empowering the next generation of skilled professionals!

Which vocational skills were highlighted at the Bangsamoro WorldSkills Regional Competition held at Cotabato state University?

Bangsamoro kicks Off World Skills Regional Competition, Spotlighting Youth Talent at Cotabato State University

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is making notable strides in skills growth, recently hosting the regional stage of the WorldSkills Competition at Cotabato State University (CSU). This event, held in late January 2026, served as a crucial platform to identify and nurture the region’s most promising young professionals in various vocational skills, paving the way for potential participation in future international WorldSkills events. The competition underscores the BARMM’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth through technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

A Showcase of Diverse Skills

The WorldSkills Regional Competition – Bangsamoro chapter featured competitors from across the region, battling it out in a range of disciplines. Thes included:

* Automotive Technology: Assessing skills in vehicle maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.

* Electrical Installation: Evaluating proficiency in safe and efficient electrical systems installation.

* Welding: Demonstrating expertise in various welding techniques and quality control.

* Cooking: Highlighting culinary skills, creativity, and hygiene standards.

* fashion Technology: Showcasing design, pattern making, and garment construction abilities.

* Graphic Design Technology: Testing skills in visual dialogue and digital media creation.

* IT Network Systems: Assessing the ability to design, implement, and manage computer networks.

* bricklaying: Evaluating precision and efficiency in masonry work.

Each skill area was judged by industry experts, adhering to rigorous WorldSkills standards. The competition wasn’t just about winning; it was about fostering a culture of excellence and continuous betterment in skills development.

Cotabato State University: A Hub for TVET

Choosing Cotabato State University as the venue was strategic. CSU has long been a leading institution for TVET programs in the Bangsamoro region, boasting modern facilities and dedicated instructors. The university’s commitment to providing relevant and industry-aligned training made it the ideal location to host this prestigious event. CSU’s existing partnerships with local industries also provided valuable opportunities for competitors to gain real-world experience and mentorship. the university’s infrastructure, including its well-equipped workshops and laboratories, was crucial for effectively running the various competition categories. This event further solidifies CSU’s role as a key driver of workforce development in the BARMM.

The Importance of Regional Qualifiers

The Bangsamoro regional competition serves as a vital qualifier for the national WorldSkills Philippines competition. Successful competitors from the regional stage will advance to represent the BARMM at the national level, with the ultimate goal of potentially representing the Philippines at the international WorldSkills Competition. This tiered system ensures that only the most skilled and prepared individuals are selected to compete on the global stage. The regional qualifiers are notably important for the Bangsamoro region, providing opportunities for youth who may not have access to the same resources as those in more developed areas.

Benefits of Participating in worldskills

Participation in the worldskills Competition, even at the regional level, offers numerous benefits for young professionals:

1. Skill Enhancement: the rigorous training and competition habitat push participants to refine their skills and strive for excellence.
2. Industry Exposure: Competitors gain valuable exposure to industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.
3. Networking Opportunities: The event provides a platform to connect with industry professionals, potential employers, and fellow skilled individuals.
4. Career Advancement: Participation can significantly enhance career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.
5. Personal Development: the competition fosters confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

BARMM’s Investment in Youth and Skills

The BARMM government recognizes the critical role of skills training in addressing unemployment and promoting economic development.The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) – BARMM,played a key role in organizing and supporting the regional competition,demonstrating its commitment to investing in the region’s youth. This investment aligns with the broader goals of the BARMM’s Comprehensive Development Plan, which prioritizes human capital development and inclusive growth. The competition also supports the national agenda of Philippine TVET, aiming to produce a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the 21st-century economy.

real-World Impact: The story of Alisah Magno

Alisah Magno, a 2024 regional competitor in Fashion Technology, exemplifies the impact of the WorldSkills program. After participating in the regional competition, Alisah secured an apprenticeship with a local tailoring shop, where she honed her skills and eventually launched her own small business creating custom clothing. “The competition pushed me to be more creative and precise,” alisah shared. “It also gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer.” Stories like Alisah’s highlight the transformative power of skills competitions and the importance of investing in youth entrepreneurship.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

Following the success of the 2026 regional competition, the BARMM government is planning to expand the scope of the event in future years. This includes:

* Adding new skill areas: Introducing disciplines aligned with emerging industries and regional priorities.

* Increasing participation: Reaching out to more schools and training centers across the region.

* Strengthening industry partnerships: Collaborating with businesses to provide more training and employment opportunities.

* Investing in infrastructure: Upgrading facilities and equipment to meet WorldSkills standards.

These initiatives will further solidify the Bangsamoro region’s position as a hub for skills excellence and contribute to the overall development of the Philippines. The long-term vision is to create a enduring ecosystem for TVET that empowers young people and drives economic growth in the BARMM.