Two firms assisted by the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup) are among the winners of the 2021 Regional Productivity Olympics of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Cordillera. The winners were announced on July 28.
Palayen Farms in Mountain Province and The Health 100 Restoreant in Baguio City were recognized in the micro-agribusiness category and medium-service category, respectively, as winners in the Productivity Olympics, a national competition on best practices on survival and resiliency in the new normal of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) nationwide.
This year, five micro, three small, and two medium enterprises from the Cordillera were nominated in the competition, which highlights establishments that have demonstrated resilience and overcame difficulties amid the Covid-19 pandemic, to reach their targets and sustain growth while preserving jobs.
Rallying behind the theme, “Bounce back better,” the 2021 Productivity Olympics is also a confidence-building strategy for MSMEs that are still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic.
The regional winners will be endorsed to the National Screening Committee for the selection of national finalists who will advance to the final selection level.
Palayen Farms, which is owned and managed by Jovito Palayen and located in Tiking, Monamon Sur, Bauko, Mountain Province, has been a Setup cooperator since 2016.
As a result of the technical assistance and provision of equipment on the drip irrigation system, the farm’s production increased by 45 percent and gross sales by 42 percent with two additional market outlets and four additional employees hired.
Health 100 Restoreant, which is owned and managed by Elmer Macalingay and located in Magsaysay, Baguio City, has been enrolled in the Setup since 2014 and is currently on its second phase of the DOST program.
With support through the provision of technical consultancy services under the DOST-Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program and equipment upgrades, the firm has increased its gross sales by 30 percent and has expanded into three market outlets.
Even with government support, however, it is important to note that the recognition is highly credited to the innovation and resiliency of both firms ensuring that their respective businesses will survive the pandemic. – Christian Robert Sandoval
April 27, 2024
