MSMEs asked to join productivity Olympics as a survival strategy

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today called on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that implement productivity improvement programs to join the 2009 Productivity Olympics as a survival strategy against the current economic uncertainty and fluctuating market demand.

 

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the productivity contest would showcase best practices in improving plant-level productivity, which MSMEs need to survive the current economic downturn.

 

Roque said that the 2009 Productivity Olympics will serve as a venue where MSMEs can learn from each other's best practices, stressing that improving plant-level productivity will equip them with strategies on how to efficiently manage resources and organize production amid fluctuating market demand.

 

He added that MSMEs and other companies could also pursue various human resource development programs during production lulls in preparation for economic recovery. 

 

The nomination for the productivity olympics is now open for MSMEs, Roque said as he enjoined interested MSMEs to contact the nearest Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards for details about joining the contest.

 

Bigger cash prizes await the productivity national winners for this year, he said.

 

The search for MSMEs with the best productivity improvement programs was launched last year.  It aims to raise the awareness of employers and workers on the importance of productivity while showcasing best productivity practices throughout the country. 

 

 With this year's theme, "Enhancing Quality and Productivity Towards Competitiveness," the 2009 Productivity Olympics aims to gather more nominees for nine categories including awards for MSMEs in agribusiness, services and industry.

 

This year's contest was launched last February at the Heritage Hotel in Manila.  The regional nominees will be selected in July while the national winners will be selected in September.

 

It will culminate in October with the awarding of the national winners in time for the celebration of the National Quality and Productivity Month.  Cash prizes, trophies and priority endorsements to various DOLE training programs await the winners.

 

Last year, the National Wages and Productivity Commission awarded seven   MSMEs with the best productivity improvement programs.  Winners under "Best in People Development" criteria were Natomo Manufacturing (Region I), Add Research Prints and Chemicals Inc. (Region IV-A), Tropics Agro Industries (Region V), Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital (Region II).  Winners under  "Best in Business Excellence" criteria were Kuya Orly's Café and Restaurant (CAR), Velomer Poultry Breeder Farms (Region X) and SLERS Industries, Inc. (Region X).