DTI VI boosts MSMEs with productivity training

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI has recently conducted a targeted training session aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Wearables and Homestyle Industry Cluster (WHIC) in Western Visayas. This initiative, held on April 30, 2024, at the DTI Regional Office VI, marks a strategic effort to uplift local industries through advanced management and productivity techniques.

The training, conducted in collaboration with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VI (RTWPB VI), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), drew participation from 23 MSMEs across various provinces of the region. It focused on lean management and productivity—essential tools for businesses aiming to enhance their competitive edge and operational efficiency.

Facilitators from RTWPB VI led the session, teaching participants how to identify and eliminate wasteful practices in their operations and maximize resource utilization based on Productivity 101 principles. Such lean management techniques are designed to help businesses reduce unnecessary costs, streamline processes, and optimize the use of resources, contributing to increased productivity and profitability.

DTI VI Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Rachel Nufable highlighted the critical importance of these tools. “Learning to work smarter is key for small businesses,” Nufable stated. “With DTI’s support, they can improve their operations and become competitive not only locally but also in the global market.”

The WHIC sector, which includes subsectors like wearables (apparel, fashion accessories, footwear) and homestyle (housewares, home decors, furniture, and furnishings), is a significant contributor to the economic growth of Western Visayas. With the surge in investments and job opportunities, initiatives like this training session underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing the support structure for pivotal industries that drive national economic advancement.

This collaborative effort between government agencies ensures that MSMEs are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in dynamic industries, seize market opportunities, and contribute significantly to the region’s economic prosperity.