The 2026 Regional Skills Olympics concluded with remarkable achievements from the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology and the PTC-Malita team, as participants secured gold, silver, and medallion distinctions across multiple technical categories. Held from March 23 to 26, 2026 at the Regional Training Center – Korea Philippines Vocational Training Center, the competition gathered top technical vocational institutions in the region under the supervision of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region XI. Among the highlights were gold medal victories in Agricultural Structure, led by competitors Dongking Grace P. Sagang and Lovely Jane B. Balderas under expert Ricky J. Dabalos, and in Animal Production, represented by Arnold D. Baluli with expert John Rey G. Tanallon.
Further strengthening their standing, the team earned a silver medal in Agricultural Mechanization through Mark Roger V. Formoso, guided by expert Ellthon I. Turtor, while a medallion of excellence was awarded in Crop Production to Lovely Rose F. Calnapat with expert Maurine Joy B. Apsay. The event opened with a formal ceremony featuring institutional representatives, regional officials, and delegates, including the official declaration by Tarhata S. Mapandi and a keynote address from Edwin I. Jubahib. The structured program underscored the role of technical education in strengthening workforce readiness and regional competitiveness.
The strong performance of SPAMAST and PTC-Malita reflects the growing impact of competency-based training in agriculture and related fields, aligning with national efforts to enhance skills development and rural productivity. These achievements contribute to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 2 on Zero Hunger, as they promote technical excellence, employability, and sustainable agricultural practices. The recognition of emerging talents in this regional platform signals a continuing commitment to inclusive development and innovation in the agricultural sector.
