Bohol Baker Wins WorldSkills ASEAN Silver, Underscoring Strength of Local TVET Training
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A young baker from Bohol has earned international recognition, highlighting the growing global competitiveness of Philippine technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
According to a report by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Bea Hermosora secured a silver medal at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition held in Manila in 2025, competing against top young bakers from across Southeast Asia.
Hermosora, who trained at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Training Center (PTC) in Pilar, Bohol, represents a segment of training institutions often perceived as under-resourced or lagging behind global standards. Her achievement, however, offers a different narrative.
A Strong Case for Philippine TVET Competitiveness
For TESDA Region 7 Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr., Hermosora’s success directly addresses doubts about the quality of local skills training.
“These are the pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong success,” Vicente said, emphasizing that her accomplishment demonstrates how regional TVET programs can produce globally competitive talent.
Vicente noted that TESDA graduates are trained to meet WorldSkills International benchmarks and industry-recognized competencies—standards that align with labor demands in countries such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
Standards-Driven Training and Competition
This emphasis on global standards is reflected in TESDA’s Provincial Skills Olympics, most recently conducted in Bohol from April 14 to 16. The event brought together students from technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) and provincial training centers to compete across eight skill areas, including cooking, bakery, restaurant services, electrical installation, welding, IT network infrastructure, IT network system administration, and fashion technology.
Unlike traditional competitions, the event follows a performance-based scoring system, where participants are evaluated against a maximum of 700 points per trade. Medals are awarded based on how closely competitors meet established standards rather than outperforming peers.
“Do not compete against each other — race with the standard in mind,” said TESDA Bohol Provincial Director Floro Ringca.
Top performers advance to regional and national competitions, creating a pathway for further recognition and development.
Skills Development as a Growth Strategy
Local officials have also underscored the importance of technical skills training in driving economic progress.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who attended the opening ceremonies of the recent competition, highlighted the broader impact of skills development.
“It equips individuals not only with technical expertise, but also with confidence and dignity,” Aumentado said.
Raising the Bar for Filipino Talent
Hermosora’s achievement reflects a broader shift in how Philippine TVET is positioned—no longer merely an alternative pathway, but a viable route to global competitiveness.
As industries continue to demand skilled workers capable of meeting international standards, stories like hers reinforce the role of local training institutions in preparing Filipinos for both domestic and overseas opportunities.
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