TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- Of the 11 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as regional entries to the 2023 National Olympics, all were national qualifiers, of which two were national winners and one garnered a special citation, making it the Best Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) for this year.

Being adherent to showcasing excellence in productivity and innovation, MSMEs enjoy full support from the RTWPB member agencies, making them create a name of their own in the national and soon-to-be in the international markets, said Gedielyn Paje, the owner of Manjou’s Homemade Delicacies, which was adjudged Best Micro Enterprise under the Industry Category.

“We are indeed grateful of their support because without them, we cannot reach this level of development in our business,” Paje added.

Helwina Tarozza, RTWPB secretary, said the hands-on support of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Regional Director Elpido Jesus Atal, Jr.; Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Romleah Pulido–Ocampo; and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Dionicio Ledres Jr. were all contributory to the performance of the MSMEs because their inputs and recommendations served as guides for better productivity.

Of the eleven national qualifier namely Manjou's Homemade Delicacies, Lighthouse, SN Aboitiz Power Magat, Cooperative Bank of Cagayan, FDN Farm, FICO Bank , Cagayan Appliance, Central Isabela Agriculture Manufacturing , Providers Multipurpose Cooperative, CE’s Kusina and My Aims Kitchen, Manjou's Homemade Delicacies hailed zs National Winner for the Industry-Micro category,  Lighthouse Cooperative for Industry-Medium category while SN Aboitiz Power Magat bagged as national finalist in Industry-Small category and at the same time Gawad Luntian Awardee as a testament to their exceptional efforts in implementing sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, exemplifying the spirit of responsible corporate citizenship.

This accomplishment and achievement demonstrate RTWPB 2's  commitment to promoting a culture of productivity and economic advancement.

The 2023 Productivity Olympics is done every two years, where industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries meet together to celebrate their achievements and exchange best practices while setting new benchmarks for success. 

Taloza said every year, Region 2 excels in every Productivity Olympics. "In fact, it was our second time because we were adjudged as best RTWPB in  2015," she added.

All the national finalists, she said, will be trained and enhanced so that they will be considered for the next Olympics.

The RTWPB is composed of DOLE Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal as Chairperson; DTI Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, Vice Chairperson; NEDA Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres Jr., Vice Chairperson; and Gerald C. Tactay, Gary Ka Hong U Chong, Jesus B. Villamor, and Johnny M. Alvaro as Board Members. (GVB/PIA 2)