NWPC launches 2021 Productivity Olympics
THE National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) together with its Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) officially opened the call for entries for the 2021 Productivity Olympics–a national competition of the best practices on survival and resilience in the new normal of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) nationwide.
This year, the Productivity Olympics will have a new face as it recognizes and benchmarks establishments that have demonstrated resilience and overcome difficulties amid the COVID pandemic, to reach their targets, sustain growth, while preserving jobs. Rallying behind its theme “Bounce Back Better”, the 2021 Productivity Olympics is also a confidence-building strategy for MSMEs who are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic.
A kick-off ceremony was held on April 27, 2021 via Zoom and livestreamed on the NWPC’s Facebook page. It was attended by the DOLE senior officials, members of the Commission, chairpersons and members of the 16 Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, and representatives from micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide.
In her opening remarks, Undersecretary Ana C. Dione recognized the challenges brought about by the pandemic and emphasized that the endeavor is important because it will help MSMEs bounce back better.
“Together, let us find and recognize MSMEs that practiced and lived up to the principles of business excellence despite the pandemic,” said Undersecretary Dione.
Meanwhile, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III emphasized the role of business continuity plans and productivity improvement programs in the economic resilience of the country. He also encouraged MSMEs to participate in the search.
“These are the best practices that the 2021 Productivity Olympics will look for in selecting the national winners. It will recognize MSMEs that were able to continue business operations, kept their employees engaged and committed to their business goals, and preserved employment amid the pandemic,” Secretary Bello said.
NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy presented the mechanics and criteria of this year’s Productivity Olympics and echoed the Secretary’s invitation for MSMEs to participate in this year’s Olympics.
The contest is open for all MSMEs duly registered with appropriate government agencies and must have been in operation for at least the last six months in 2020. MSMEs must also be compliant to labor and occupational safety and health standards as well as with safety and health protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection and transmission.
MSMEs will be screened by the Regional and National Screening Committees. The national finalists selected by the National Screening Committees will be endorsed to the National Judging Panel who will select this year’s batch of national winners.
Nine successful MSMEs will be hailed as Productivity Olympics national winners for the nine categories – micro, small, and medium enterprises for agribusiness, service, and industry sectors. They will each receive a cash award of P150,000, a Productivity Olympics trophy, and priority endorsement to other training programs and service of the NWPC, RTWPBs, and other DOLE agencies.
Interested MSMEs may join through the RTWPB having jurisdiction over the place where they are located. For more information about the 2021 Productivity Olympics, kindly visit the official website www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph and Facebook page of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
