Participant lights the torch which marks the commencement of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development’s (MBHTE-TESD) Regional Skills Competition 2023 in Cotabato City on November 4, 2023. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) officially kicked off the Regional Skills Competition 2023 in Cotabato City today, December 4, with a motorcade from Cotabato City’s Plaza to Em Manor Hotel, aiming to showcase the diverse skills of Bangsamoro youth.
This year’s week-long competition includes different skill areas such as cookery, electrical installation, information network cabling, and information network system administration.
MBHTE-TESD conducts the RSC annually to showcase the skills and talent of Bangsamoro competitors from various BARMM provinces who excel in their chosen skills.
The event serves as a platform to recognize the skills and excellence of young industry-skilled workers and graduates of technical-vocational schools and training centers.
During the kickoff ceremony, Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal mentioned that this competition is held to recognize the skills and excellence of young industry-skilled workers.
“This annual competition demonstrates that you [the trainees] have acquired various vocational skills in training that you can apply in your daily life,” Iqbal said.
“I hope this year’s competition inspires you to further develop your skills and realize your full potential as technical and vocal graduates. We are confident that the RSC winners will be able to represent the region in the national competition,” he added.
Iqbal also disclosed that the Government of the Day has increased the allotted budget for TESD to provide more livelihood skills for Bangsamoro people, particularly out-of-school youth and women, towards a prosperous life.
On the other hand, MBHTE-TESD Director General Ruby Andong, who presided over the declaration of the opening of the competition, commended the participants.
“This is not just an event; it is a celebration of talent and a showcase of the incredible skills that each of the competitors brings to the table,” Andong reminded the participants.
This year, the competition was attended by sixteen (16) competitors from twelve (12) public and private Technical Vocational Institutes (TVI).
Rauf Esmael, 22, one of the participants from Coland System Technology, shared his experience and will compete in the electrical installation category.
Accordingly, there are numerous opportunities either as a contractor or electrical installer and maintenance.
“I am happy about my work because everyone notices and appreciates my expertise. I learned electrical installation not only for competitive purposes but also for livelihood opportunities,” he said.
He further thanked the Bangsamoro Government and his coaches for their unwavering support in molding young people.
“I am sincerely grateful for what I am currently doing, such as providing proper electrical services in various companies and among others,” he added. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
