ELYUCANOS SHOWCASED TECH-VOC SKILLS DURING LA UNION PROVINCIAL SKILLS COMPETITION 2023

April 29, 2023 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

To showcase Elyucano Technical Vocational Skills, different institutions in the Province of La Union compete as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – La Union in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) hosted the 14th Provincial Skills Competition dubbed as “Bael ti LUkal” on April 19, 2023, held at DMMMSU-MLUC Covered
Court, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The word “Bael” or “Kabaelan” is an Ilocano term which translates to ‘ability to do’ and combining the LU (La Union) to the word “lokal” to emphasize the homegrown skills and talents of the
Kaprobinsiaan. The Bael ti LUkal Skills Competition provides opportunities for young
individuals to compete and demonstrate their competencies in particular vocational skills using task and industry-based scenarios. It inspires young individuals to reach new heights, helping them turn their passion into a profession.

It hopes to develop competitive Filipino workers who possess world-class skills and work values and attitudes and prepare them to become globally competitive. Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, the guest of honor and speaker of the program, encouraged the participants to do their best and vie for gold at the Regional Skills Competition until they reach the World Skills Competition and become the pride of the province of La Union.

“Anuman ang maging resulta, para sa akin, lahat kayo ay panalo because having the passion and the determination to be able to showcase your talents that in itself already embodies the values and traits of a winner. Kaya naman, hopefully in the near future, patuloy niyo pang linangin ang inyong
mga talento. This is a just the start; malay niyo next time sa TV ko na kayo makIta!” During the event, 9 tech-voc graduates showcased their talents and skills in different trade areas of competition for the World Skills Category such as: Automobile Technology, Electrical Installation
Technology, Welding, Cooking, and Restaurant Service.

Moreover, different tech-voc skills were also showcased by 27 tech-voc graduates in the different trade areas for the Skills Demonstrations Category such as: Fruit Carving, Table Skirting, Bed Making for Tourism, Cake Decoration, Bamboo Weaving, Produce Organic Concoction, Computer System Servicing, Cocoon Production & Silk Weaving, Photo Voltaic System Installation (Solar), Grafting/Marcotting, Domestic Work, Refrigeration and Servicing, Carpentry, Blacksmithing, and Handloom Weaving.

TESDA La Union Provincial Director Alvin Yturralde extended his gratitude to the PGLU for the
continuous support to the event and said, “Provincial Skills Competition is a showcase of camaraderie, teamwork, positive work values, skills and talents of locals in the Province of La Union.” He further introduced Skill-O and Skill-A (mascots) as the new members of the Skills Competition or Bael ti LUkal. Laurence Jose C. Silapan was hailed as the champion and Justin G. Viduya garnered 1st runner up for the Automobile Technology category, while Wilmark R. Refugia wins in the Electrical Installation Technology category.

For the Welding category, Watson D. Oalin was hailed as the champion while Crizel Ann V. Almirol bagged the 1st runner up. For the Cooking Skills category, Mhel Jun M. Vasay was hailed as the champion while Joy N. Salanga obtained the 1st runner up. Daisery Hipona championed the Restaurant Service Skill Category as Angel Reynaldo placed 1st runner up. Winners of the various skills competition will represent the province in the Regional competition.

The PGLU continues to cultivate home-grown talents with world-class abilities in order to promote youth empowerment and livelihood development, as well as to form a strong partnership with stakeholders in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. The activity was a part of the month-long celebration of the Ayat Fest: 173rd Foundation Anniversary of the Province of La Union. These kabaelan of the Elyucanos are indeed the pride of the province as all Kaprobinsiaans utilize their skills in unity to heed the Governor’s call for La Union PROBINSYAnihan.

Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator