Marian Erasmus+ Grantee advances to 2026 National Cybersecurity Olympics

APARRI, Cagayan / BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — IT student Zarmin Joshua C. Espinosa demonstrated the Cybersecurity Skills Regional in the World Olympics and earned a gold medal during the WorldSkills Philippines 2026 Regional Skills Competitions hold simultaneous in Aparri, Cagayan and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya n May 19-20, 2026.

The competition, organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region 2, gathered competitors, experts, trainers, and delegates from various provinces in Cagayan Valley to demonstrate competencies in technical and vocational skills, including cybersecurity, web technologies, ICT infrastructure, hotel reception, and other industry-based disciplines.

Most of the competitions were held at Aparri Polytechnic Institute. At the same time, the Cyber Security category was conducted at Saint Mary’s University Georges De Busschere Function Hall on May 19.

The opening ceremony in Bayombong was attended by SMU and TESDA officials, guests, competitors, and expert. In his opening remarks, Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, cited the competitors and experts’ passion and precision to compete against the global standards.

Mr. Ayton A. Belis, TESD Specialist II, presented the background, rationale, and mechanics of the competition. At the same time, the oath of Olympians was recited by Mr. Zarmin Joshua C. Espinosa, representing the Cyber Security skill area.

In his message, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President and PTESDC – TVET Representative, reported that competitor Espinosa was an exchange student in Howest University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, who attended classes in IT courses for one semester under the Erasmus+ grants. The formal opening of the Provincial Skills Competition 2026 was declared by Rev. Fr. Enrique G. Tiongson, PTESDC – Representative, Community, Health and Social Sector.

Meanwhile, during the regional competition proper in Aparri, student-competitors from Saint Mary’s University achieved outstanding performances in their respective categories.

Espinosa was coached by Mrs. Essel T. Cañaberal, demonstrating exceptional technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

In Web Technologies, Mr. Cecilio Cesar S. Liwag, under the guidance of Ms. Rocel J. Batara, earned the Silver Medal for his impressive performance in web development and digital innovation.

Meanwhile, Mr. John Paul C. Dres, mentored by Mr. Dennis Abosejo, received the Bronze Medal in ICT Network Infrastructure for demonstrating competence in networking systems and infrastructure management.

Completing the university’s list of achievers was Ms. Jesusha Mae M. Cresencio, coached by Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, who received the Medallion for Excellence in Hotel Reception for displaying professionalism, communication skills, and excellent customer service.

During the regional event in Aparri, Guest of Honor Governor Edgar B. Aglipay, , underscored the importance of regional skills development in producing globally competitive Filipino workers. He emphasized that technical-vocational education plays a vital role in economic growth and innovation, while encouraging participants to prove that Cagayan Valley Youth and Filipinos can compete with the world’s best-skilled workers.

The WorldSkills Philippines Regional Skills Competition serves as a platform for students and trainees to demonstrate their competencies and qualify for higher-level competitions, including national and international skills competitions such as the ASEAN Skills Competition and WorldSkills International.

The achievements of the university’s competitors reflect Saint Mary’s University’s continuing commitment to excellence in technical education, innovation, and industry-based training.