The RTWPB-VI, along with other DOLE-attached agencies, conducted a one-day learning session in Iloilo City on 11 July 2025. 

Titled “Learning Session on Productivity-Based Incentive Scheme (PBIS), Development of Labor-Management Cooperation, and Rights & Benefits under the Philippine Employees’ Compensation Law,” the convergence activity was an initiative of the RTWPB VI to promote Productivity Based Incentive Schemes (PBIS) program to MSMEs in the region. This session was held in partnership with the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Board Branch VI and the Employees Compensation Commission Regional Extension Unit VI. 

Present during the activity was RTWPB VI’s Board Secretary VI, Atty. Mark Vernon C. Dioquino, who gave a brief opening message on behalf of DOLE RO VI Director Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr. 

Discussions began with the first topic, led by Ms. Mildred V. Morales from NWPC, who shared her expertise on PBIS. Ms. Morales gave a brief yet comprehensive talk on the benefits and necessities of adopting incentive schemes in the workplace. 

PBIS involves incentivizing productive work practices, ideally through the adoption of the Productivity Toolbox Programs. It aims to encourage improvement in workers’ performance and the adoption of cost-saving measures to increase overall productivity while increasing workers’ take-home pay. 

This “consensual arrangement” between employers and employees is facilitated through focus groups such as Labor-Management Committees (LMCs), which were thoroughly covered by the speakers from the RCMB-VI. 

Senior LEO Ms. Maricel G. Alayon guided the enterprises in the creation and maintenance of LMCs. These committees allow for free and healthy dialogue between the employer and the employees. Ms. Alayon pointed out the importance of having LMCs to help maintain industrial peace in their respective workspaces.

Still on the topic of LMCs and industrial peace, Mr. Dee Z. Ignacio, RCMB-VI Supervising LEO, emphasized the necessity of grievance mechanisms in protecting both employer and employee interests. He also tackled the processes and possible outcomes of grievances escalated beyond the internal machinery. 

Atty. Stephene S. Barredo shared with the enterprises the different programs and benefits offered by the ECC. In his brief but comprehensive discussion, Atty. Barredo shared his legal knowledge and various previous experiences to exemplify the different conditions and considerations when claims for their agency’s benefits may be filed.

These convergence activities are part of the government’s continuous effort to disseminate the various programs and services provided by its agencies to private enterprises. Combining related services from different DOLE-attached agencies creates “one-stop-shop” sessions where private enterprises are given the venue and opportunity to engage in informative discussions with the concerned agency representatives. This also aligns with the RTWPB and NWPC’s prerogative to promote the incentivization of productivity. (John Winston T. Sison)