The TESDA-Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) emerged as the top-performing institution at the April 21 to 23, 2026 WorldSkills Philippines Cordillera Regional Skills Olympics, leading Baguio-Benguet to clinch the Best Province Overall Champion title.
The delegation was formally recognized during the April 27, 2026, flag ceremony at CSITE Main Campus, honoring the outstanding performance of its competitors and experts.
CSITE delivered a commanding performance across multiple skill areas, accounting for the majority of the delegation’s entries and medal wins. Of the 26 skill areas contested, Baguio-Benguet competed in 20, with 16 entries coming from CSITE across its campuses in Baguio, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Abra.
CSITE Main Campus led the charge, competing in 11 skill areas and producing multiple gold medalists:
- Mechatronics – Mike Randall A. Gamboa and Arnie Harold B. Maquinto
- CNC Turning – Shanth Free R. Soliven
- Welding – Denver M. Doria
- Electronics – Kodi Brille V. Zamora
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning – Kenjie P. Dumapis
- Prototype Modelling – Chrysler Rado P. Ayban
- Additive Manufacturing – Ezra C. Batilew
- Cooking – JR Aaron Amansec
- Restaurant Service – Romel D. Cambe
- Bakery – Shia Denise L. Rafael
- Hotel Reception – Travis Sydney G. Tapleras
Provincial campuses also contributed to the medal haul:
- Kalinga Campus – Gold in Plastering and Drywall Systems (Eldrin T. Malanta)
- Ifugao Campus – Gold in Bricklaying (Shella Mae S. Cayat) and Cabinet Making (Brando A. Guman-gan)
Silver medals were secured by:
- Abra Campus – Electrical Installation (Gallian Yadao)
- Kalinga Campus – Wall and Floor Tiling (Bacuto V. Olvin)
Reinforcing CSITE’s dominant performance, JR Aaron Amansec, gold medalist in Cooking, received the Albert Vidal Award, the highest distinction in WorldSkills competitions, awarded to the competitor with the highest overall score across all skill areas. He was trained by Expert Joshua F. Lizardo under the leadership of chief expert Chef Mary Kristine Iris Pasion.
The competition utilized the Competition Information System (CIS), ensuring fair and objective scoring through international standards that combine measurement and judgment criteria. CSITE’s strong performance highlights the institution’s commitment to producing industry-ready, globally competitive skilled workers.
CSITE’s performance affirms its position as a premier technical-vocational institution in the Cordillera, showcasing excellence in training, precision in competition, and a sustained commitment to producing globally competitive skilled professionals.
