20/03/2026
๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ด๐ผ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐ด๐ผ๐น๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฅ๐ด ๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ฏ ๐๐ช๐ค๐ฉ๐ข๐ฆ๐ญ ๐. ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ฏ๐ด๐ข๐ญ๐ข (10-๐๐๐)
Bergel R. Santiago, a TVL student from Luakan National High School, won the gold medal in the SMAW Welding Category during the 2026 TESDA Bataan Skills Competition held from March 17โ19, at MANS Haven Events Place & Resort for the opening and closing program, and at the University of Nueva CaceresโBataan for the contest proper.
He represented Bataan Peninsula Educational Institutions, Inc. (BPEI) with pride and determination, showcasing outstanding and exceptional welding skills as he competed against participants from different schools.
Before the competition, Santiago trained under the Joint Delivery Voucher Program (JDVP) of Bataan Peninsula Educational Institutions, Inc. (BPEI), where he completed Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC II.
He was also being trained at school during the workshops of SMAW under the supervision of Sir Giovanni Poch Peรฑaflor.
In his speech, the SMAW student thanked TESDA, the experts Sir Rolly Sachez, Sir Boy, Sir Roland, and Sir Poch, along with UNC - Bataan (BPEI) Administrator Mr. Ruzzel Brian C. Mallari, EnP.
He also shared his life story about his father, to whom he dedicates his win, who sells kangkong and continues to support their family even after the loss of their mother.
Although he was initially removed from the list and only got a second chance after someone backed out, he still successfully managed to bring pride to our school.
Santiago encouraged fellow students to work hard and believe in themselves, proving that determination and confidence can turn second chances into success.
