Nearly three decades in the making, a Lycean has etched his name in the history books of global skills excellence. Carlos Antonio E. Delos Reyes delivered a phenomenal performance for the Philippines at the prestigious WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition held last September 22-27, bringing home a Bronze Medal in the fiercely competitive Hotel Reception Category and earning the coveted Best of Nation award.
This monumental achievement marks the Philippines’ triumphant return to the WorldSkills podium after almost 30 long years—a historic milestone that elevates both Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and the entire nation on the international stage. Competing against top-tier hospitality delegates from around the globe, Delos Reyes demonstrated exceptional poise, mastery of complex front-office operations, and a level of professional finesse that set a new benchmark for Philippine hospitality on the world stage.
Sharing the global stage and representing the country alongside Mr. Carlos Anotnio E. Delos Reyes was fellow Philippine delegate Ms. Lianna Kryzelle D. Verana, who proudly competed in the Restaurant Service Category. Guided by the steadfast support and mentorship of her Expert, Dr. Janzell Palbacal, Lianna displayed exceptional dedication, technical skill, and relentless drive throughout the high-pressure competition. Her performance showcased the incredible caliber of young Filipino hospitality professionals on the international scene, making her and Dr. Palbacal an equally vital part of the Philippine delegation’s triumph in Shanghai.
Behind this groundbreaking victory stands an extraordinary network of institutional support and expert guidance. Delos Reyes’ historic run was made possible through the unwavering dedication of his Expert and primary mentor, Mr. Nomer Yuzon, alongside the collective leadership, academic support, and specialized coaching provided by the faculty and leaders of LPU-Batangas. Together, the mentorship team conducted months of rigorous training, scenario simulations, and skill refinement, exemplifying the transformative impact of dedicated educator-student collaboration.
This achievement stands as a powerful testament to LPU-Batangas’ standing as a premier higher educational institution, proving that its hospitality programs directly align with and excel against the highest global industry benchmarks. For the Philippines, this victory highlights the world-class caliber of Filipino talent and reaffirms the country’s reputation as a global leader in hospitality and service excellence.
In alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education), this landmark accomplishment underscores LPU-Batangas’ steadfast commitment to delivering high-caliber academic training and global benchmark opportunities. By empowering students with industry-relevant competencies, the university continues to foster excellence, elevate local education, and build future-ready leaders who shine anywhere in the world.
