ZAMBOANGA CITY – The RTWPB-IX awards 10 exceptional firms as winners of the 2025 Regional Productivity Olympics in Zamboanga Peninsula on May 30, 2025 in Zamboanga, this City.  

Launched in 2008 by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, the Productivity Olympics is a biennial nationwide competition of the best productivity practices among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  

Joel M. Ijirani, the Board Secretary VI of RTWPB-IX, proudly recognized the regional awardees who exemplified business excellence, fostered employee engagement, and advocated productivity in the region. 

DOLE IX Regional Director and Chairperson Albert E. Gutib commended the regional winners for their commitment to continuous improvement and sustainable practices that inspire other MSMEs in the region. “Ngayong gabi, hindi lang tayo nagtitipon upang magbigay ng parangal. We are here to celebrate the spirit of excellence that drives workers and entrepreneurs to push boundaries,” said Director Gutib.  

Among the aspiring productivity advocates in the region, the Regional Screening Committee selected three outstanding MSMEs from Zamboanga del Sur, one from Zamboanga Sibugay, and six from Zamboanga City.  

The 10 regional winners of the 2025 Productivity Olympics are as follows: Advances Refrigeration and Aircondition Specialist (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur); Artifex Computer Center and General Merchandise (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur); Barcode Grill & Restobar (Zamboanga City); Best Reach Out Sells, Inc. (Zamboanga City); Ipil G3 Cellulars (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay); Big Salsa Food Corporation (Zamboanga City); MCH Carmela The Food Shop (Zamboanga City); MIFAMCO Dark Chocolate Processing (Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur); Tess Aesthetic Clinic (Zamboanga City); and Vintazk Business Support Services, Inc. (Zamboanga City).  

The regional winners were awarded with plaques, certificates of recognition, and cash prize worth P10,000.  

Jerome S. Talaver, President of Mannafest Food Inc., graced the awarding ceremony as he imparted his inspirational journey as National Winner of the 2021 Productivity Olympics. 

The awarding ceremony was attended by the RTWPB-IX Vice-Chairperson and DEPDEV IX Regional Director Maria Felicidad R. Guerrero, Vice-Chairperson and DTI IX Regional Director Al-Zamir I. Lipae, Labor Representatives Princess Nellaine S. Yting and Carlo B. Catis, and Employers’ Representatives Edgar B. Lim and Roberto G. Valerio.  

Also present were the DOLE 9 OIC Assistant Regional Director Engr. Wesley D. Tan, DOLE 9 Zamboanga City Field Office Head Maria Elena T. Alabata, DOLE 9 Zamboanga del Sur Field Office Head Miraflor J. Casanes, DOLE 9 Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office Head Elamsalih E. Ungad, and the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch IX Regional Director Oliver C. Jao.  

 Previous regional winners were also present in the awarding ceremony. The 2025 PO RSC External Member Engr. George G. Ledesma served as one of the masters of ceremonies together with RTWPB-IX Information Technology Officer I Brenda M. Quintas. (Hannah Rose L. Segovia)