KABASALAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The RTWPB-IX, together with the Department of Labor and Employment – Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (DOLE-ZSFO), spearheaded the conduct of Green Productivity training for the Zamboanga Sibugay Federation of Family Welfare Committee (ZSFFWC) at GARBEMCO Hillside, Goodyear, Kabasalan on 25 June 2025. 

This activity was carried out in line with the directive of RTWPB-IX Chairperson and DOLE Regional Director Albert E. Gutib to expand the reach of productivity advocacy throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.  

The Green Productivity training promotes sustainable industrial development by applying systematic approaches like the EARTH cycle to enhance productivity and environmental performance across production, distribution, and consumption systems. 

35 participants from 26 member-firms were introduced to the basic concepts and principles of Green Productivity by Ms. Brenda M. Quintas, IT Officer I of RTWPB-IX. Engr. Erra Jelle L. Gracia, Senior Labor and Employment Officer, led an in-depth discussion on practical Green Productivity techniques and strategies. 

The training highlighted the importance of integrating environmental responsibility into productivity efforts, encouraging more businesses to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices. 

Participants also shared their respective sustainable practices. Mr. Michael Magbanua, proprietor of Amigo Apparel, shared that their company repurposes defective products into pillows, which they distribute to less fortunate communities at the end of each year. Similarly, Mr. Robert Pacatang of the Labuyo Women’s Livelihood Association shared that water used for soaking seaweeds is reused to irrigate their vegetation, providing not only water conservation but also natural organic fertilization. 

Chief Elamsalih Ungad, Head of DOLE-ZSFO, shared the agency’s various programs and services, and expressed his appreciation to RTWPB-IX for bringing the productivity initiative to the province (Brenda M. Quintas).