MISAMIS Oriental — Northern Mindanao trainees won gold in artificial intelligence and silver in automobile technology at WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, while the regional delegation also earned Medallions for Excellence in welding and mechanical engineering computer-aided design (CAD).
Held Sept. 7–11 in Angeles City, Pampanga, the national competition brought together technical-vocational trainees from across the country to demonstrate their skills in various fields.
Raniel P. Beronilla won gold in artificial intelligence, representing Region 10 after training with Skunkworks, a Cagayan de Oro-based artificial intelligence and vision analytics company, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
One of his competition tasks involved developing a proposed alert system for a disaster risk reduction and management office to help communities prepare for emergencies.
The 20-year-old said the competition allowed him to apply his training in coding, algorithm development and system design. He credited his trainers, TESDA, his family and friends for supporting his participation.
Darwin P. Lapad, a graduate of Automotive Mechanical Technology at the Cagayan de Oro Bugo School of Arts and Trades (COBSAT), won silver in automobile technology after earning gold in the regional competition in Iligan.
His training covered vehicle diagnostics, engine disassembly, electrical wiring troubleshooting and under-chassis work.
“Importante ni siya nga course kay daghan kaong makuha nga opportunity sa pagpanarbaho. Dali ra ka makasulod sa trabaho,” Lapad said.
(This course is important because it opens up many job opportunities. You can easily find work.)
Lapad said automotive skills could open employment opportunities locally and abroad, particularly for graduates who earn a National Certificate. He also thanked his instructors and TESDA Misamis Oriental for helping him prepare for the competition.
Meanwhile, Miguel S. Estenzo, 20, participated in the event by demonstrating drone engineering and flight operations.
Trained by Skunkworks, Estenzo learned to design drone frames, use 3D printing, solder components, and configure flight controllers, motors and other electronic parts.
Trainees also used virtual simulations to test drone operations before flying completed units outdoors.
During the competition, Estenzo explained drone operations to visitors and guided them in flying the devices, including people trying a drone for the first time.
“Learning how to fly doesn't have to stop with me,” he said.
Estenzo said the experience allowed him to share his knowledge and interact with people from different backgrounds.
The regional delegation’s other distinctions were Medallions for Excellence in welding and mechanical engineering CAD.
The achievements highlight the technical skills being developed in Northern Mindanao, from automotive repair and artificial intelligence to drone engineering.
For the trainees, the competition also offered an opportunity to apply their training, exchange knowledge and demonstrate their abilities on a national stage. (With a report from Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
