Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) -- In preparation for the Nationwide Best Masonry Competition, 43 skilled masons in the province recently joined the launching of the program at the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Kalinga Training Center that started last July 11 until the 22.

According to TESDA Information Officer Belmar Angngolin, as a venue for the provincial competition, the agency utilized the unfinished 9x12 square meters building of TESDA office to test the capabilities of skilled masons.

"Just after seven day of actual work, they have surprisingly accomplished more than what was expected as seen in the construction's physical improvement," he expressed.

He said that Donald Oplay emerged as the winner during the competition and will be representing the province during the regional feat this October.

Among the competed categories include hollow blocks laying, plastering and installation of rails and balusters. The activity was sponsored by the Holcim Company Philippines that donated the 200 bags cement used during the competition.

"The company also provided the trainers for the 10 day training for the masons including their gears, tools and allowances during the duration," he said.

Holcim is one of the world's leading producers of cement and aggregates that is working in more than 70 countries and employs almost 90,000 people.

On the other hand, TESDA Kalinga provided the other construction materials and other training support.