Mitsubishi Motors PH Primes for 8th Global Monozukuri Skill Competition in Japan

In Photo (L-R): MMPC Manager for Office of Production Strategy Mr. Sergio Castro, MMPC Manufacturing Division Executive Vice President Mr. Manabu Higuchi, MMPC Monozukuri Participants Mr. Mark Bagnes, Mr. Mark Anthony Arcenal, Mr. Sherwin Recaido, Mr. Rommel Dalusung, Mr. Andrew Atienza, Mr. John Carlo De Leon, and Mr. Nelson Ojoy. MMPC Vice President for Office of Production Strategy Mr. George Gonzales, and MMPC Manufacturing Deputy Division Head Mr. Reynaldo Gabay.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is ramping up preparations for its top-performing manufacturing technicians who won the local company’s manufacturing division skills competition in May 2025 and will represent the country in an international skills competition in October in Japan.


The nine-member team recently started undergoing an intensive 3-month training program at MMPC's manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna for the 8th annual Global Monozukuri Skill Competition on October 25 and 26, 2025, in Nagoya, Japan.


Organized by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), the competition will see participants from MMC teams across the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam in seven categories: welding, painting, assembly, tooling, stamping, maintenance, and logistics.


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.


MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda said the competition is more than a showcase of the company's talent, serving as a platform for the expertise of the entire Philippine automotive industry.


“When our technicians perform on the world stage, they embody the strength of partnership between Filipino craftsmanship and Japanese discipline. This not only elevates the reputation of the company’s Philippine-unit through MMPC, but also inspires the next generation who are vital for the automobile industry's sustained growth. This balance of values demonstrates how shared strengths can produce truly world-class results,” Imaeda said.


For Sergio Castro, Manager for Production Strategy and who leads the training, the competition serves as a key motivational program for MMPC and demonstrates that its technical capabilities are on par with other global affiliates.

“Through this competition, we aim to showcase our world-class skills, particularly in efficiency, hard work, and discipline, while also embracing the opportunity to learn from our peers and from each other,” Castro said.


Beyond Technical Skills


Apart from mastering technical skills, the participants said one of the most challenging parts of the training was building confidence to execute flawlessly under pressure.

Apart from mastering technical skills, the participants said one of the most challenging parts of the training was building confidence to execute flawlessly under pressure.

 


“The main challenge was overcoming the pressure and nervousness. A crucial part of our program was practicing in front of a crowd, which simulated the competition. Through that experience, I've seen my performance improve little by little," said Mark Bagnes, the representative for Welding.

Mr. Mark Bagnes, Participant for CO2 Arc Welding- Building Pressurized Proof Container

This experience was echoed by Andrew Atienza, the representative for Maintenance, who said that this deliberate strategy not only motivates and encourages the team but also builds resilient professionals ready for the global stage.

Mr. Andrew Atienza, Participant for Maintenance- Sequence Circuit Programming

Mark Anthony Arcenal, the representative for Assembly, said that they are excited as well. “The environment is different and that makes us want to dive into this competition more and solve some real challenges.”

Mr. Mark Anthony Arcenal, Participant for Assembly-4 Body Assembling Operations of Tightening, Connecting and Plug Fitting, and Applying sealant

For Rommel Dalusung, who is the representative for Tooling, the event is also a way of inspiring others in their community. “This is our way of showing not just to MMPC but to other communities or organizations that our skill is at par with other nations.” And for the industry, too, as Sherwin Recaido, who will join in the category Stamping said, “Through this competition, we believe that we are also giving back to the industry by showing the skills that we have, and how we can still improve.”

Mr. Rommel Dalusung, Participant for Tooling- Cutting Edge Finishing

John Carlo De Leon, who represents Painting agreed, saying, “We also show how dedicated and hardworking we are to our craft. “

Mr. John Carlo De Leon, Participant for Painting-Sealing Application

Nelson Ojoy for Logistic said, “Joining this competition is an investment in ourselves. The excitement comes from stepping out of our comfort zone and into a space where we create something.”

Mr. Nelson Ojoy, Participant for Logistic- Forklift Pallet Handling Operation

The team is set to fly to Japan on October 24. For more updates on the competition, visit the MMPC website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph.