DIPOLOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – The RTWPB-IX, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment – Zamboanga del Norte Field Office, conducted a two-day monitoring activity from August 29–30, 2025 to assess the effectiveness of productivity interventions among beneficiary firms in Dipolog City and nearby municipalities.

A total of 21 enterprises that previously participated in productivity trainings during the first semester of 2025 were visited to ensure that the lessons gained from the sessions were being applied in their respective workplaces. The RTWPB-IX Secretariat reviewed each firm’s commitments in their submitted action plans and validated those against their actual implementation.

Several establishments shared positive outcomes from the trainings. Mr. Jessie Tubio, the HR Officer of Ariana Hotel Inc., mentioned how their participation in the Better Mental Health in the Workplace training created tangible changes. “We implemented the training by re-echoing it to our workers. With this in mind, management decided that service charges collected at the end of the day shall be distributed equally—prompting better engagement from the workers,” Tubio shared.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mernalyn M. Binondo, HR Officer of Lee Plaza City Central, cited the impact of their incentive program, which was inspired by the productivity sessions. “Through the trainings, management introduced a simple incentive scheme where cashiers with no shortages receive non-monetary rewards such as umbrellas and small tokens. This simple practice has significantly improved employee motivation and workplace engagement,” said Binondo.

The monitoring activity was facilitated by Ms. Rowena Z. Gecaraya, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer, and Ms. Nur Iyam T. Paches, Administrative Assistant III.They also provided technical guidance to further strengthen the productivity initiatives of the monitored firms.