Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) secured six medals at the Toyota 2026 Asia Pacific Skills Contest (ASPAC), marking the Philippines’ first complete podium finish across all competition categories since the country joined the regional skills competition in 2006.
Held at Toyota Motor Thailand’s Ban Pho Plant in Chachoengsao Province, the contest brought together skilled Line Team Members and Leaders from 11 Toyota affiliates across Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Pakistan, and India.
TMP representatives Christian Cobilla and Wilmer Penalla won silver medals in the Painting – Team Leader and Logistics – Team Member categories, respectively.
Four other Filipino competitors earned bronze medals. Noel Elpos placed third in Logistics, while Edwin Bocaya, Loreto Muyna, and Ramel Sarmiento won bronze in Assembly, Quality Control, and Welding, respectively.
The results also delivered breakthrough podium finishes for TMP in two contest categories. Since its first participation in 2006, the Philippine team has now collected 14 medals at the ASPAC, including its fourth gold medal in last year’s competition.
TMP said the latest achievement highlights the skills of Filipino workers involved in automotive manufacturing and supports the Philippines’ position as Toyota’s fourth-largest market in Asia.
The company’s local manufacturing operations have produced more than 1.2 million vehicles, with its Santa Rosa plant currently capable of producing more than 60,000 Completely-Knocked-Down (CKD) units annually. Locally produced models include the Vios, Innova, and Next Generation Tamaraw.
TMP has also expanded its manufacturing capabilities through an in-house vehicle conversion facility for the Next Generation Tamaraw, which can be configured into six body types.
The company said these capabilities contribute to the development of local automotive expertise, including vehicle design, engineering, parts manufacturing, and body building, while supporting the production of vehicles for applications such as utility vans and ambulances.
