Toyota student technician bested 10 regions at TESDA national skills olympics

David Kryzjan Escobar, a student at Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech), strikes gold in TESDA’s WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026.

David Kryzjan Escobar, a 20-year-old student from TMP Tech’s Automotive Servicing General Job Batch 24, was one of the 298 young Filipinos who competed in this year’s WorldSkills Philippines. Organized by TESDA, the prestigious skills competition aims to showcase the nation’s top technical-vocational students and industry-trained youth.

In photo are TMP Tech Master Instructor Apolinar Rampola (left) and gold medalist David Kryzjan Escobar (right).

Escobar represented Region IV-A and competed against delegates from 10 other regions in the Automobile Technology Category. Coached by TMP Tech Master Instructor Apolinar Rampola, his technical expertise in automotive servicing stood out and captured gold under the Transportation and Logistics sector.

David Kryzjan Escobar, part of TMP Tech’s Automotive Servicing General Job Batch 24, demonstrates gold-worthy technical expertise during the skill area contest.

His achievement forms part of the 17 medals won by CALABARZON, which led to the region’s title as overall champion of the national contest.

Together with other medalists, Escobar is now part of the Philippine delegation for the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in 2027.

Toyota technicians thrive in the auto value chain

Throughout the year, TMP Tech has participated in three WorldSkills categories at the provincial, regional, and national level, and earned a total of seven (7) medals—all of which are gold. 

The success of its students highlights the technical-vocational school’s competitive edge in the development of top-notch Filipino technicians specializing in diesel and gas engine diagnostics, repair, and servicing. Strong competencies in internal combustion and hybrid powertrain technologies remain essential to delivering quality after-sales service for Toyota customers and enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine workforce.

Through training young technicians, Toyota Motor Philippines reinforces the country's capacity to support the automotive value chain—from local manufacturing to after-sales service—while advocating for an automotive industry that puts Filipino skills and livelihoods at the forefront.

Broadening horizons for Filipino Toyota technicians 

Since its establishment in 2013, TMP Tech has produced roughly 3,000 graduates equipped with industry-responsive skills training. This serves as their unique competitive advantage that is valued by Toyota’s network in the country and abroad. As of this year, over 200 graduates have been dispatched to Japan.

As the school anticipates an increased local and global demand for Toyota Filipino technicians in the coming years, TMP Tech has made the strategic decision to expand its presence in Central Luzon. The region’s large consumer base and growing economy make for a prime, sector-aligned training hub for automotive technicians.

Last August, TMP Tech officially opened its second branch in San Fernando, Pampanga, now catering to more young Filipinos seeking to gain after-sales service skills and improved career opportunities.

Through its new branch, TMP Tech aims to contribute to the training of the next generation of highly skilled automotive technicians, further expanding the pipeline of graduates qualified for gainful employment locally and overseas.