ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY (PIO) β As part of its strategic preparations as the official and principal institutional host of the WorldSkills Philippines Zamboanga 2027, the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) undertook benchmarking during the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 to closely understand how a large-scale credible skills competition is planned, managed and implemented, held in China from September 23 to 26, this year.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the 48th WorldSkills Competition, brought together 1,400 young professionals from nearly 70 countries and regions who competed across sixty-four (64) specialized skills. Further, it gathered industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Shanghai competition allowed the ZPPSU delegation to discover that a successful WorldSkills Competition requires the application of WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS), accreditation, clear governance, technical compliance, module-based exercises, safety provisions, reliable facilities and equipment, industry support, public participation, and other key requirements aligned with WorldSkills standards.
The ZPPSU delegation was led by President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral together with Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Josephine L. Sulasula, Board Secretary Ms. Lilia F. Vesorio, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Christina G. Wee, Director of Institute of Technical Education Dr. Norwesa L. Madriaga, Dean of College of Engineering and Technology Dr. Jennifer C. Gargar, and OIC-Dean of School of Business Administration Mr. Christian Paul M. Marcial.
This benchmarking mission coupled with an industry visit to Shanghai SIEG Machinery Co., Ltd, manufacturer of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment supplied to the university, providing exposures to advanced technologies and opportunities relevant to strengthening ZPPSUβs facilities, industry-aligned skills training programs, and faculty and technician capabilities.
The value of the Shanghai 2026 benchmarking mission and SIEG manufacturing visit goes beyond the universityβs hosting-preparations framework for WorldSkills Philippines Zamboanga 2027. The ZPPSU delegation commits to translate the actionable lessons into concrete academic and technical improvements, stronger partnerships, sound administrative and financial planning.
Upon returning with a realization that hosting a WorldSkills Competition should be an inter-agency approach. The ZPPSU delegation convened with the City Mayor of Zamboanga, TESDA Region IX Director, representatives from TESDA Central Office and ZSCMST, and Hytech Power Inc. CEO, advancing collaboration for the 2027 competition.
Overall, the Shanghai Experience reinforces ZPPSUβs commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing highly skilled and globally competitive students, while strengthening institutional networks and exploring potential partnerships that support TVET.
More importantly, with a clearer picture of the scale, standards, and discipline required to host a WorldSkills competition, it lays the foundation for ZPPSU to developing a Zamboanga 2027 Skills Expo and building a lasting skills legacy through a sustainable WorldSkills development system that will benefit the university community and the wider skills ecosystem beyond the 2027 competition. (Authors: VPAF Josephine L. Sulasula and Rio L. Landingin/Public Information Office)