With the intent of promoting TESDA Specialistas and the world class Filipino skilled workers, Secretary Joel Villanueva revived the skills competition conducted throughout the country. Sec Joel directed TESDA field offices to revitalize the competition and be able to participate in the ASEAN Skills Competition to be held in November .

“The Filipino skilled workers are world-class. We should not pass up on this opportunity through the ASEAN Skills Competition to show it off the competence of our skilled workers,”

Right after the awarding, Sec Joel announced in a press conference our sending of two representatives for each of the 18 trade areas in the ASEAN Skills Competition.