June 29, 2025
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 34 directing relevant government agencies to support and ensure the Philippines’ successful hosting of the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 this August.
The task force, to be chaired by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General and co-chaired by the Labor Secretary, is mandated to ensure the seamless planning, preparation, and execution of the biennial regional skills competition.
“In accordance with their respective mandates, all departments, agencies, instrumentalities, bureaus, and offices of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are hereby ordered to render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the Task Force in the implementation of this Order,” the President said.
The interagency task force includes representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Immigration.
This marks the second time that the country will be hosting the prestigious event since the competition was first welcomed on Philippine soil nearly 30 years ago in 1996. The biennial WorldSkills ASEAN Competition gathers the best young skilled workers in the region to compete in various vocational and technical fields.
Set for August 26-28 at the World Trade Center Manila, the 2025 WorldSkills ASEAN Manila will feature 32 official skills areas that reflect the region’s top industries and emerging sectors.
Preparations are now underway for the hosting, which is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates and competitors across the ASEAN region, and thousands of local spectators, partners, and industry players.
For his part, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez welcomed the President’s directive, noting that the interagency collaboration will ensure seamless coordination in logistics, security, promotion, infrastructure, and overall event management.
“Our hosting goes beyond competition—it’s about nation-building. This is a platform to raise awareness on the value of technical education, bridge industry and training institutions, and prepare our youth for the jobs of the future,” Sec. Kiko said.
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