Thirty-nine employees of Mernel’s Cake House took part  in a One-Day Learning Activity aimed at strengthening workplace practices and labor rights awareness on 30 June 2025.  

The training program, “7S of Good Housekeeping and Understanding Labor Standards,” was held at Mernel’s Cake House, Los Baños, Laguna, gathering employees, from management to production line, as part of the company’s initiative to strengthen employee welfare and promote continuous workplace learning. 

The session was conducted by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office IV-A in partnership with the RTWPB IVA. It introduced participants to key labor standards and workplace organization practices aligned with national policies.  

Atty. Dennis Manzanero, Mediator-Arbiter of DOLE IV-A, served as a resource person and led discussions on labor standards, covering topics such as general labor laws, employee rights, and compliance guidelines. 

Meanwhile, Atty. Kaye Bacanie introduced participants to the 7S framework, focusing on how structured cleanliness, order, and discipline in the workplace can lead to better safety, productivity, and employee morale.

The session also included a segment on Red Tagging under the ‘Sort’ phase of the 7S of Good Housekeeping, was facilitated by Ms. Maria Elena de Belen. This activity aimed to instill discipline in maintaining a clutter-free and organized work environment.  

Mernel’s CEO, Merle Ballicao, expressed her support for ongoing learning initiative. “Mernel’s values go beyond quality cakes, we care deeply about our people. Through programs like this, we aim to equip our team with the right knowledge and tools to thrive in their roles,so they can do better at work and grow in their jobs,” Ms. Merle Balicao said.  

 The 7S approach (Sort, Systematize,Sweep, Standardize, Safety, Self-Discipline, and Sustain) serves as a long-term strategy to improve workplace discipline and safety. (Ma. Khelly Ann Victoriano)