By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an inter-agency task force that will spearhead all government efforts related to the country’s preparations for and hosting of the WorldSkills (WS) ASEAN Manila 2025.
The event will be held on Aug. 26 to 28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City and will be participated in by around 300 participants from 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries who will compete in 32 skill areas.
Under Administrative Order (AO) 34 inked by President Marcos on June 19, the task force will be chaired by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general and co-chaired by the Labor secretary.
Members of the task force include the secretaries of Agriculture, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, Local Government, Public Works, Trade, Transportation, and Tourism departments; chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; Philippine National Police chief; and commissioners of the Customs and Immigration bureaus.
“The TESDA shall serve as the Secretariat of the Task Force and shall be tasked to provide the necessary technical, administrative, and operational support to the Task Force,” the order read.
Funds needed for the implementation of AO 34 will be charged against the available appropriations of the member agencies.
WS ASEAN 2025 is a regional event that aims to bring together top youth talents from ASEAN member countries to showcase their technical and vocational skills, as well as establish a global standard for skills excellence in the region.
The skill areas cover six different sectors: information and communication technology; construction and building technology; creative arts and fashion; manufacturing and engineering technology; social and personal services; and transportation and logistics.
Local government units and the private sector are encouraged to cooperate and participate in the preparation and hosting of WS ASEAN 2025. (PNA)
