Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is sending nine of its best manufacturing technicians to the 8th Global Monozukuri Skill Competition in Nagoya, Japan, on 25–26 October 2025.

The team earned its spot after winning MMPC’s internal contest last May and has been training intensively at the Santa Rosa, Laguna plant. The global event, organized by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, brings together teams from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Participants will compete in seven key factory disciplines: welding, painting, assembly, tooling, stamping, maintenance and logistics.

“When our technicians perform on the world stage, they embody the strength of partnership between Filipino craftsmanship and Japanese discipline. This not only elevates the reputation of the company’s Philippine unit through MMPC, but also inspires the next generation who are vital for the automobile industry’s sustained growth. This balance of values demonstrates how shared strengths can produce truly world-class results,” Ritsu Imaeda, MMPC president and CEO, said.

The team’s three-month preparation focuses on discipline, accuracy, and mental resilience. “Through this competition, we aim to showcase our world-class skills, particularly in efficiency, hard work, and discipline, while also embracing the opportunity to learn from our peers and from each other,” Sergio Castro, manager for Production Strategy at MMPC, said.

For the participants, the challenge goes beyond mastering techniques. Welding representative Mark Bagnes said they practiced under simulated contest pressure to manage nerves and maintain focus. Maintenance representative Andrew Atienza added that mental readiness is just as vital as technical ability.

Others shared similar views. Assembly representative Mark Anthony Arcenal said the competition is a rare chance to step outside their usual factory routine. Tooling representative Rommel Dalusung wants to prove that Filipino workers can match international standards, while stamping specialist Sherwin Recaido sees the event as a way to give back to the local industry. Painting representative John Carlo de Leon said it’s also about showing dedication to the craft, and logistics representative Nelson Ojoy called it an investment in growth.

The group departs for Japan on 24 October. MMPC will share updates as the competition unfolds.