President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has created an inter-agency task force to oversee preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 — a biennial event that brings together the region’s best young professionals in a showcase of skill, innovation, and talent.

Under Administrative Order No. 34, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will head the task force as chair, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) serving as co-chair.

Other agencies involved include the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, Transportation, and Tourism.

Also part of the task force are the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Immigration.

Tesda will also serve as the secretariat tasked with providing technical, administrative, and operational support.

Funding for the preparations will come from the budgets of the agencies involved, in accordance with standard government budgeting and auditing rules.

WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 will take place from 26 to 28 August at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with around 300 participants from 10 ASEAN countries competing in 32 skill areas.