The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board  (RTWPB) Caraga  reached new heights as two of its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were recognized as top honors at the prestigious 2023 National Productivity Olympics held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City on October 20, 2023.

This biennial event, organized by the National Wages and Productivity Commission and RTWPBs, with this year’s theme, “From Striving to Thriving: Reset and Reposition for Impact,” celebrated and recognized the outstanding productivity and business excellence practices of the MSMEs, as Caraga-based establishments outshined the competition at the national stage.

Citrus Hill Plantation, a Barobo, Surigao del Sur-based micro-enterprise, secured the award in the agribusiness micro category, while Amparitas Integrated Farm from Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur bagged the award in the agribusiness medium category. 

"We are grateful for this award, and it's an affirmation of the hard work and dedication that our workers put into every product. We take pride in our role in promoting productivity and excellent products in our business, and this award will inspire us to continue our mission," expressed by Julieta Beutel, owner of Citrus Hill Plantation.

"We are proud of this recognition. It's a testament to our commitment to making agriculture more efficient and sustainable, particularly for small farmers in Caraga. We believe that productivity can play a pivotal role in transforming the future of farming in our region," added Engr. Ramon Barbosa, proprietor of Amparitas Integrated Farm.

RTWPB Caraga is also proud of Allen Stick and Trading of Trento in Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative (SURSECO –I) of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, for both national finalists in industry, under the micro and medium categories respectively.

"We,  from RTWPB Caraga, believed that these national awardees and finalists  inspired others in the region to reach for greater heights and to demonstrate that excellence knows no boundaries. This is a moment of pride for Caraga.," said Dir. Earl D. Dela Victoria, board secretary VI of RTWPB Caraga. 

As MSMEs continue to thrive in different socio-economic challenges, the region's business community remains vibrant and full of potential. These recent victories are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and innovation that make Caraga a standout player in the Philippines' business landscape.

Moreover, the 2023 National Productivity Olympics is an accolade that recognizes the MSMEs for their demonstration of resilience in their adjustments in business strategies and goals as pandemic change the world of work to achieve their targets, sustain growth, and contribute to economic recovery, and those that upgraded their technologies and innovation capacity, preserved employment and kept their employees engaged and committed to organizational goals. (RTWPB-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)