ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has proudly announced that the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University will be hosting the WorldSkills Western Mindanao 2026, during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the two parties held at the Quality Assurance Office today, February 13.
Deputy Director General for TESD Operations, Hon. Vidal D. Villanueva III, has expressed his utmost appreciation to the university for accepting the challenge to facilitate the Western Mindanao-wide vocational competitions showcasing technical skills and fostering collaborations among State Universities and Colleges.
“ZPPSU is hosting the WorldSkills Western Mindanao. We open opportunities for other SUCs all over the Philippines to witness the innovations of the university, and experts from the country and across the world will be coming to the university to witness the event,” DDG Villanueva III affirmed.
Further, Acting Regional Director of the Regional Office, IX Engr. Alan T. Bacatan acknowledged the strength and forte of the university as the leading provider of technical vocational education in Zamboanga Peninsula.
“This is a testament of its [ZPPSU] enduring leadership in promoting excellence and skills development. Together, we affirm that the event is not a second option but a strategic choice – one that produces highly skilled professionals, strengthens industries, and fuels inclusive growth,” RD Bacatan said.
To note, the proponent of this initiative is ZPPSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance, Ms. Josephine L. Sulasula – who expressed deep appreciation to the event and highlighted the need of partnership and collaboration with TESDA to further boost the technical vocational programs of the university.
Hytech Power has already committed to helping the ZPPSU with the hosting of WorldSkills and an opportunity as well for TESDA to showcase the best of their technical vocational education.
On behalf of TESDA, they will invite national government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education and Department of Education, and bring sponsors to see the university facilities, and local industry partners to make sure that we are following the WorldSkills standards.
“We promise to you [ZPPSU] that in exchange for this endeavor, we will continuously support your initiatives and programs by allocating funds for your diploma programs and, at the same time, making sure that our communication line is at all times open for the university,” DDG Villanueva III added.
The university was duly invited to witness the WorldSkills Philippines in Pampanga City, to be hosted by Region III in July 2026, and the International WorldSkills in China by September 2026.
“Together, we shall cultivate a workforce that is skilled, competitive, values-instilled, and responsive to both local and global challenges. With unity of purpose and steadfast dedication, we will succeed in this endeavor,” ZPPSU President Dr. Nelson P. Cabral exclaimed.
The WorldSkills Western Mindanao 2026 is yet to be announced. (JRA/ABC/Photos: JBM/Public Information Office)