THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) conducted the Provincial Skills Competition (PSC) at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC) covered court on April 19.
This year’s PSC also launched its new branding- "Bael ti LUkal." "Bael" is the Iluko term for ability while ‘LUkal’ was coined from La Union and local talents.
There were 10 competitors in five different skill areas. Two each are in Automobile Technology, Electrical Installations, Welding, Cooking, and Restaurant Service.
Winners of this year’s PSC are Laurence Jose Silapan in Automobile Technology, Wilmark Refugia in Electrical Installations, Watson Oalin in Welding, Mhel Jun Vasay in Cooking, Daisery Hipona in Restaurants Service.
The winners received P12,000 cash prize, medal, trophy, certificate of recognition, and they will represent the province of La Union during the Regional Skills Competition.
On the other hand, their competitors also received P8,000 cash prize, medal, and certificate of recognition.
Also, one of the highlights of the one-day event is the demonstration of other skills namely, fruit carving, table setting/skirting, bed making for tourism, cake decoration, bamboo weaving, masonry, produce organic concoction, cocoon production and silk weaving, photo voltaic system installation, grafting/marcotting, domestic work, refrigeration and servicing, carpentry, blacksmithing, and handloom.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, who herself made this year’s PCS branding "BAEL ti LUkal," graced the event as guest of honor and speaker and spearheaded the cutting of chain that symbolizes the kick-off of this year’s PSC.
In her speech, Ortega-David considers this event as a pride of the province, which serves as a venue to showcase the ability and skills of the people of La Union.
“Para sa akin, lahat kayo panalo na sa araw na ito, because having the passion and determination to be able to showcase your talents pa lang po, that itself already embodies the values and traits of a winner,” said Ortega-David.
Meanwhile, Tesda Provincial Director Alvin Yturralde and Ilocos Regional Director Vincent Aljon Cifra also graced the occasion and encouraged the participants to level up their skills in view of participating in international competitions.
The conduct of PSC is mandated under section 30 of the Republic Act 7796 also known as Tesda Act of 1994 which states that Tesda, with the active participation of private industries, shall organize annual skills Olympics to promote quality skills development in the country. (PIA)