Two Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Zambales have qualified as finalists for the 2021 National Productivity Olympics.
GrainPro Phils. Inc. qualified for the medium agribusiness sector category while Boba Time Food Corner qualified for the micro service sector category.
They are to represent Central Luzon in the competition, which seeks to recognize and benchmark MSMEs that have demonstrated resilience, preserved employment, and implemented excellent employee engagement programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, chairperson of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board Region 3, lauded the nominees and all participants of the competition.
“They are already winners because they were able to show that they can bounce back better, bear difficult things, and adopt to the new normal. It is truly worth applauding how they were able to emerge victorious against all difficulties sparked by the pandemic,” Panlilio said.
Following a series of regional and national screening sessions, both MSME representatives will proceed to the presentation of business continuity plans and strategies, and employee engagement programs to the national judging panel.
GrainPro Phils Representative Sharon Novales shared that by joining the competition, they showcased the resiliency of their business and employees through collaboration and by helping each other.
“In these trying times, what we need is teamwork for us to continue what we started. It has taught us to grow and expand without compromising the welfare, safety, and well-being of our employees,” she said.
Boba Time Food Corner Marketing Manager Nerissa Juco said that while many companies are hurting during the pandemic, some MSMEs are seeing lots of opportunities, good income and returning customers.
“This pandemic has been a gateway to really think outside the box. It has been a great challenge for us to strive for the better and be sustainable during this time,” Juco said.
This year’s theme “Bounce Back Better” recognizes the most resilient and productive MSMEs nationwide.
Criteria for judging include business continuity plans and strategies, employee engagement programs including compliance with health and safety protocols, employment preservation in terms of hiring and termination of employment.
Awarding of national winners will be this October in line with the celebration of Productivity and Quality Month.
Winners will receive P150,000 cash award and priority endorsement to productivity training programs and services.