July 20, 2026
Filipino tech-voc learners and graduates are invited to register for the 1st Philippine Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Skills Competition (PDIESC) 2026, a new nationwide contest from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The competition is open to all active TVET learners and graduates as well as college students enrolled in any TESDA-related program. There is no required skill threshold, making it accessible to a broad range of participants including those without prior background in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and those looking to showcase their talents in these fields.
The competition is conducted in partnership with the China-Philippines Silk Road Institute Foundation (CPSRIF) and the Unified Technical Vocational Education and Training (UniTVET), and gives participants a shot at representing the country on the global stage.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez encouraged learners to seize the opportunity, "The future of work is increasingly digital, creative, and entrepreneurial—and skills remain at the forefront. In this competition, we are providing our learners with the venue to showcase and then further hone talents, while also linking them to international opportunities."
Interested participants may register now by creating an account on the official PhiLinkEdu Digital Training Platform at https://www.philinkedu.com/.
The competition unfolds in three stages, each testing a different set of skills:
- Stage One (July 13 – September 7): Participants create AI-assisted commercial packaging and brand visual designs.
- Stage Two (September 8 – 30): Qualifiers produce commercial short videos promoting their original concepts.
- Stage Three (October 1 – 23): Finalists work directly with local merchants, applying their digital and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on community engagement and business promotion.
Entries will be judged on creativity, commercial viability, technical execution, and entrepreneurial value.
National winners will take home certificates, medals, trophies, and cash prizes. The top performers will have the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the International Finals in China on November 29–30, 2026.
Competition details and mechanics were initially disseminated to TVET institutions and stakeholders nationwide on July 9, 2026. The ceremonial launch of the PDIESC 2026 was held during TESDA's Flag Raising Ceremony in Taguig City on July 20, with TESDA officials and representatives from CPSRIF and UniTVET.
The competition stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed by TESDA and CPSRIF on March 21, 2024, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in technical vocational education and training, and supports TESDA's mandate under Republic Act No. 7796 to enhance the global competitiveness of the Filipino workforce.
TESDA serves as the country's lead implementer, mobilizing its Technology Institutions and coordinating the participation of Philippine winners internationally. CPSRIF is the competition's principal Philippine sponsor and global host, UniTVET supports mobilization of private TVET institutions nationwide, and the China National E-Commerce Vocational Education Teaching Steering Committee provides international standards and technical guidance.
Currently, TESDA offers several courses related to digital skills such as Visual Graphic Design NC III; 2D/3D Animation NC II; Game Development NC III (3D Game Art Development); Photography/Illustration NC II; and, E-Commerce Operations Level III, among others.
The competition supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to enhance workforce competitiveness and create more employment opportunities for Filipinos through globally competitive, future-ready digital skills.
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