ILOILO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI recently conducted a training session on lean management and productivity aimed at bolstering the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Wearables and Homestyle Industry Cluster (WHIC) in Western Visayas.
Held in collaboration with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VI (RTWPB VI), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), this training took place on April 30, 2024, at the DTI Regional Office VI.
The training session, which drew the participation of 23 MSMEs from various provinces in the region, addressed the pressing need identified during the localization of the national WHIC Roadmap which is to enhance productivity.
In response, DTI Region VI facilitated this initiative to equip MSMEs with the essential tools and techniques necessary for improving competitiveness and productivity.
Expert facilitators from RTWPB VI led the training, tackling the fundamentals of Lean Management and Productivity.
Participants learned practical methods for identifying and eliminating wasteful practices in their operations. The session also provided insights into maximizing resource utilization through Productivity 101 principles.
By implementing lean management techniques, MSMEs can streamline their processes, reduce unnecessary costs, and optimize resource allocation. This not only leads to improved productivity and profitability but also enhances their competitiveness in the market. As they continue to apply these principles and practices, MSMEs can position themselves for sustained growth and success in the wearables and homestyle industry.
DTI VI Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Rachel Nufable stressed the significance of these management tools for MSMEs.
“Learning to work smarter is key for small businesses,” she emphasized. “With DTI’s support, they can improve their operations and become competitive not only locally but also in the global market.”
The WHIC sector, encompassing subsectors such as wearables (apparel, fashion accessories, footwear) and homestyle (housewares, home decors, furniture, and furnishings), plays a big role in driving economic growth in Western Visayas.
As investments and job opportunities surge, initiatives like this highlight the government’s commitment to providing crucial assistance and direction to businesses in sectors vital to national economic advancement.
The importance of collaboration with agencies cannot be overstated in supporting MSMEs. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, partner agencies can provide comprehensive support to MSMEs by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge which will enable them to thrive, seize opportunities in dynamic industries like the wearables and homestyle, and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. ♦
Date of release: 02 May 2024