The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) kicked off the WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 Opening Ceremony at the SMX Convention Center Ballroom on 7 September 2026.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera led the ceremonial unveiling, officially signaling the start of this year’s national skills competition.

The said event highlighted the role of skills development in strengthening workforce readiness and sustaining investor confidence.

The two officials welcomed delegates and competitors as Devanadera emphasized that the competition demonstrates how skills training complements education and ensures employability.

She said that Clark hosts over 1,200 locators and 151,000 workers, and that TESDA’s programs help align industry needs with workforce capabilities.

The WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 Opening Ceremony highlighted that practical skills complement academic credentials for the workforce, while assuring industries of qualified manpower to sustain operations in Clark and beyond.

At the same time, it reinforced the Philippines’ standing as a competitive investment destination with disciplined, English-proficient workers and signaled community benefits through the forthcoming TESDA Innovation Center in Clark, which will provide accessible training and opportunities for local residents.

TESDA Secretary Benitez said the competition adopts the branding, format, and standards of WorldSkills International, providing Filipino competitors with a clearer pathway from local training and competitions to the ASEAN, Asian, and global stages.

"When we compete, we push the envelope further than we have ever done before. We blur the line between the possible and the impossible," Benitez said, adding that WorldSkills showcases the country’s first-class technical-vocational talent and "the skills and the hands that build the nation."

The ceremony featured the parade of regions, oathtaking of competitors and experts, as well as cultural performances.

WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 brings together 298 top regional qualifiers from 18 regions competing in 30 skill areas across six major sectors including Information and Communication Technology; Manufacturing and Engineering Technology; Construction and Building Technology; Social and Personal Services; Creative Arts and Fashion; and Transportation and Logistics. Formerly known as the Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC), the event now follows the standards and framework of WorldSkills International to prepare Filipino talent for regional and global competitions.