The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced on Wednesday that 13 tech-voc (technical vocational) trainers from across the country have emerged as finalists for the 2025 Tagsanay Award.
The award honors tech-voc trainers who demonstrate outstanding excellence, innovation, and service in advancing technical vocational education and training (TVET).
According to TESDA, trainers were initially endorsed by their respective institutions to the TESDA regional offices. The regional directors endorsed them to the National TVET Trainers’ Academy for the selection.
“Our trainers are the heart of TESDA. They do more than teach skills – they open pathways to opportunity, empower communities, and help build a nation where every Filipino has the chance to succeed through quality technical education and training,” TESDA Secretary Jose Francico Benitez said in a statement.
“The Tagsanay Award is not merely a competition; it is a tribute to the nobility of service and the unwavering dedication of trainers who go beyond teaching skills,” TESDA Deputy Director General Villanueva III was quoted as saying.
The finalists are: Juvelyn Camacho from the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (Cordillera Region); Dr. John Emil Sioco from Burgos Agro-Industrial School (Ilocos Region); Robert Revilla from Aparri Polytechnic Institute (Cagayan Valley); Norman Buan from the Regional Training Center – Mariveles (Central Luzon); Maiko Gil Hiwatig from TESDA Batangas (Calabarzon); Michael Manalo from Simeon Suan Vocational and Technical College (Calabarzon); Anatol Burce from San Francisco Institute of Science and Technology (Bicol); Demetrio Pable Jr. from the Regional Training Center – National Capital Region (NCR); Wie Ann Fajardo from Dumalag Vocational-Technical School (Western Visayas); Ronald Valdez from the Provincial Training Center – Zamboanga Sibugay (Zamboanga Peninsula); Rosalino Daumar Jr. from Cagayan de Oro School of Arts and Trades (Northern Mindanao); Raymund Luczon from Carmelo Delos Ciento Sr. National Trade School (Davao Region); and engineer Roy Cabatic from Southern Christian College (Soccsksargen).
For two weeks, they will undergo a series of rigorous screening activities designed to test their knowledge, teaching expertise, and leadership potential.
These include written and oral evaluations, demonstration of teaching methodologies, presentation of innovative training practices, and assessments in data gathering, analysis, and synthesis, presentation, innovation, green competencies, critical thinking, and creativity.
They will also participate in learning sessions and mentoring activities facilitated by industry experts and TESDA officials. These sessions aim to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership and communication skills, and foster a community of practice among trainers who share a passion for quality and innovation in TVET.
The awarding ceremony is scheduled at the Ylagan Hall, National TVET Trainers Academy in Marikina City on Oct. 20, according to TESDA. (PNA)