Agri, culinary experts hailed as Idols ng TESDA winners

November 25, 2025

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has officially announced the 2025 Idols ng TESDA National Winners, naming exemplary Filipino tech-voc professionals from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Western Visayas (Region VI) during the awarding ceremony held last November 24 in Pasay City.

In the Wage-Employed Category, Isabelito Carpio of CAR was proclaimed National Winner. Carpio has made remarkable contributions to agricultural training as a trainer at Mt. Carmel Agri-Tourism and Training Center, Inc., under ADTEMPCO, shaping future professionals since 2017. A certified Trainer of Trainers Methodology Level 1 and the sole Regional Expert Panel Member in Abra, he guides aspiring trainers toward accreditation. 

Meanwhile, Mary Rose Gemma Rodriguez of Region VI emerged as the National Winner in the Self-Employed Category. Rodriguez has over two decades of experience as a culinary educator and is recognized for promoting sustainable culinary practices, preserving indigenous food heritage, and helping shape national competency standards. She is currently the School President of Advance Central College, a family-run institution. Her notable accolades include the 2025 Women of Power Award and the Bugal Kang Antique recognition.

In his message, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez praised the winners, describing them as living testaments to the transformative power of tech-voc education and drivers of long-term national progress.

“Marami sa inyo, hindi lang skilled professionals pero entrepreneurs na. You now create employment for others. You contribute to local development, and inspire the next generation. Ipinapakita ninyo that skills are not just mere tools, but stepping stones to transformation,” Sec. Kiko said.  

“Your support comes in many forms and, thus, is felt in many ways. You are the champions of TVET, and your advocacy and support help us ensure that our programs remain relevant, responsive, and rooted in real industry needs,” the Secretary added.

Rounding out the winners in the Self-Employed Category were Annie Gay Espino of Region IV-A as 1st runner-up, and Francisco Consolacion III of Region X as 2nd runner-up. Completing the Wage-Employed Category winners were Sonia Victoria Gongora of Region IV-A as 1st runner-up, and Nonito Pattugalan of Region II as 2nd runner-up.

National winners received P30,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up received P25,000 and P20,000 respectively, along with plaques and certificates of recognition.

The Idols ng TESDA, held annually, aims to honor tech-voc graduates who have achieved exceptional success in their chosen fields or occupations and have contributed to the growth of their local economies. The awards program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to further improve the quality, accessibility, and relevance of technical-vocational education and training in the country.