In a stunning display of world-class Filipino craftsmanship and technical skill, representatives from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) secured three medals at the 8th Global Monozukuri Skill Competition (GMSC), an international skills contest, held at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)’s manufacturing hub in Okazaki, Japan last October 26, 2025. The team brought home 2 Golds and 1 silver.
This victory boosts investor confidence in the Philippines’ skilled workforce and technical capabilities, solidifying the country’s position as a competitive manufacturing hub and benefiting the local auto industry.
The Philippines’ 9-member contingent took part in seven categories—Body-CO2 Arc Welding, Painting-Sealing Application, Assembly-Vehicle Assembling Operations, Tooling-Cutting Edge Finishing, Stamping-Metal Repair & Hand Skill Finishing, Maintenance-Electric Sequence Programming, and Logistics-Forklift Pallet Handling—and competed against MMC teams from across Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The team emerged as the winner in three categories.
MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda congratulated the team for their well-deserved victory. “This is a source of immense pride for our entire organization,” he said.
“Their success is a testament to the Filipino spirit of excellence and our company’s unwavering commitment to the Monozukuri philosophy – the Japanese art of craftsmanship. It proves that our local workforce is not only capable but among the best in the world, ensuring that every vehicle we produce meets the highest global standards”.
Sergio Castro Jr., manager for Production Strategy, said, “This recognition is not just for MMPC, but for all colleagues and mentors in the Philippines who dedicate themselves to building quality vehicles every day. It is an honor to bring this recognition back home”.
As early as August, the team had been training rigorously at MMPC’s Santa Rosa, Laguna plant. Under the guidance and skills training of the Manufacturing Monozukuri Training Section, the representatives underwent intensive sessions that simulated the high-pressure environment of the global competition. The training focused on mastering advanced techniques, improving efficiency, and embodying the core principles of precision and quality that define the Monozukuri spirit.
Now in its 8th year, the Monozukuri global competition with the theme “Drive your Skill for Master” gathers teams from MMC’s key manufacturing hubs across the globe, including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. According to MMC, the event is rooted in the philosophy of Monozukuri, which is the Japanese ”art of making things,” and seeks to enhance technical skills, promote global communication, and boost motivation.
