RTC-Baguio wins 2 golds in provincial skills competition

The Regional Training Center-Baguio (RTC-Baguio) won two Gold awards in Welding Technology during the 2019 Baguio-Benguet Skills Competition held at the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) Compound on March 14-15, 2019.

GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT. Regional Training Center-Baguio participants proudly show off their medals after winning in the Welding Technology area of the 2019 Baguio-Benguet Skills Competition held at the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) Compound on March 14-15, 2019. From left, Federico C. Ramos, coach; Kevin Lloyd P. Umali, competitor; Alexander L. Bayanes, coach; and Manuel P. Aclopen Jr., competitor. //Bernice B. Lee

Themed, “Gearing for Skills Excellence,” the competition aimed to select and train the best contenders to represent the province in the Regional Skills Competition (RSC) in April, with the end view of participating in the national and international levels.

Kevin Llyod P. Umali and Manuel P. Aclopen Jr., both graduates in Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II, represented RTC-Baguio in the competition, with Alexander L. Bayanes and Federico C. Ramos as coaches/experts.

According to Engr. Hector L. Laguardia, OIC-Administrator of RTC-Baguio, the center will ensure that both competitors and experts will be fully prepared to compete in the RSC.

“We are aiming for another gold so that they will represent the region in the National Skills Competition up to ASEAN Skills Competition,” said Laguardia, noting that participation in the competitions will promote and provide more opportunities for development of the center.

RTC-BAGUIO PROUD. Regional Training Center-Baguio express full support to its competitors for the 2019 Baguio-Benguet Skills Competition held at the Baguio City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) Compound on March 14-15, 2019. (L-R) Hector L. Laguardia, RTC-Baguio OIC Administrator; Alexander L. Bayanes, coach; Manuel P. Aclopen Jr., competitor; Kevin Lloyd P. Umali, competitor; Federico C. Ramos, coach; Engr. David B. Bungallon, Provincial Director of TESDA Baguio-Benguet; Orlando J. Corro and Noriel K. Ramos of RTC-Baguio. //Bernice B. Lee

Moreover, Bayanes said that in addition to being trained in the different types of welding, joining the competition will benefit the competitors by providing valuable learning experiences and enhancing employability.

“They will have a lot of opportunities, they can use it as an asset in finding jobs abroad, and if they reach the higher level, companies will be looking to employ them,” said Bayanes, adding that the competitors were chosen for their skills performance and dedication.

Meanwhile, despite feeling nervous during the competition, Umali said that he was inspired to give his best to finish the contest package so that he will have no regrets.

Umali and Aclopen both achieved Gold based on the system of judging which followed the WorldSkills Competition Information System (CIS), while Mayson P. Sapalong of BENECO Skills Training Center achieved the Bronze award.

Twenty-nine competitors from 10 different schools in Baguio and Benguet participated in the eight areas of the skills competition, including Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, It Software Solutions for Business, Graphic Design Technology, Web Design and Development, Cookery, Restaurant Service, and Welding Technology. #

FLASH OF TALENT. Manuel P. Aclopen, Jr., SMAW NC II graduate of RTC-Baguio demonstrate his welding skills during the 2019 Baguio-Benguet Skills Competition. Aclopen and fellow competitor, Kevin Lloyd Umali will represent the province in the Regional Skills Competition this April. //