00:00The homeland is where the ASEAN's best technical, vocational, and services young talents seeking careers and certification in their professional fields gather to showcase their stuff and vie for excellence and recognition in the 2025 ASEAN Manila World Skills Competition.
00:15And no less than the leader of the land spearheaded the launching of this auspicious event that kicks off tomorrow, which our Claysville Pardiglia lays out in this report.
00:23The showdown begins. Tonight, the World Skills ASEAN Manila 2025 officially opens, led by President Ferdinand R. Marquez Jr., a signal renewed competition in skills and excellence among ASEAN nations.
00:45It is with great pride and joy that I welcome you all here to Manila.
00:53As a gateway for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange, the World Skills ASEAN serves as a stage where young people push their limits, competing not only for medals, but for the pride of their nations.
01:08It's an exciting event. The Philippines is hosting again, almost three decades since the last time, which was in 1996.
01:17Nearly 300 participants battling across 32 skill areas, all anchored on six sectors of TVET, technical and vocational education and training, creative arts and fashion featuring digital game art, transportation and logistics,
01:33automobile technology at its best, manufacturing and engineering, robotics taking the spotlight, information and communications technology with experts in cybersecurity, and of course, cooking and other social and personal services competitions.
01:49President Marquez says the contest is a chance to showcase Filipino talent to the world, youth and skilled workers from across ASEAN, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and for the first time, Timor Leste joins in.
02:09My skills are the new global currency. They are the foundation of innovation and the engine of industry. Skills are more valuable than oil, more enduring than gold, more transformative than any technology.
02:26And this is why we hold events such as this, to invest in our people, nurture their talents, and give them opportunities to further grow.
02:35The competition runs August 26-28, while the closing ceremony will be on August 30.
02:42To all our delegates and guests, I invite you to experience the beauty of the Philippines.
02:48Go a little bit beyond the competition halls. Have a taste of our food. Discover the richness of our culture.
02:55And feel the warmth of the Filipino people. Because here, you are home.
03:01From the National TV Network, for a new and better Philippines.
