PHILIPPINES: Students and staff showcase technical skills
Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center participates in skills competition
(MissionNewswire) For the first time, Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center (known locally as Don Bosco Legazpi), located in Banquerohan, Legazpi City, Philippines, participated in the welding competition in the 2023 Albay Provincial Skills Competition held at the San Francisco Institute of Technology and hosted by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority.
The theme of this year’s competition was “Albay Technical Prowess: Fostering Innovation and Excellence” and showcased youth’s individual skills, practical ability, and innovation. Skills competitions were held in various fields of specialization.
The competition helped give young Filipinos a passion for skill development, provided recognition for technical excellence, and selected gifted and empowered individuals to represent the country in the international skills competition. It also fosters collaboration among private industries, organizations, technical and vocational training centers, and other institutions. The event brought together 11 competitive institutions in different technical fields.
John Mark Allen Belludo, age 18, represented Don Bosco Legazpi in welding. When he first entered Don Bosco Legazpi, Belludo had limited knowledge in welding, but his workmanship was recognized by Dysel Kerr Padilla, Belludo’s teacher in shielded metal arc welding. As Belludo began preparing for the competition, Loui Sibbaluca, an expert in welding, became his coach. The welding test package allowed four hours to accomplish the given task. Belludo received a certificate of recognition after the event.
Another project was the “Solar Powered Motorized Vehicle” project, the result of research and development conducted by Gilbert Banga, assistant director for technical affairs at Don Bosco Legazpi. This project showcased green technology in daily living, especially for commuters and owners of motorcycles. Audience members sought additional information from Banga after the demonstration.
A Salesian said, “This kind of event reminds and enlightens each person to harness their extraordinary giftedness that aims to contribute to technological innovations for the welfare and development of our society.”
Since 1950, Salesian Missions has been providing crucial help in the Philippines — working with at-risk youth, impoverished families and disaster victims. Salesian missionaries offer a variety of educational and social development programs for youth. The goal is to provide the opportunities necessary to gain an education and skills training to break the cycle of poverty and retain long-term employment.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Philippines – Don Bosco Legazpi joins the 2023 Albay Provincial Skills Tilt
Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center Facebook
Salesian Missions – Philippines
UNICEF – Philippines