A Pagadian City-based technology and retail services company received a ₱1 million grant under the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) in a turnover ceremony at the Artifex Building on 15 April 2026. Artifex Computer and General Merchandise, one of the 2025 Productivity Olympics regional winners in Region IX, was the first firm in the region to receive an AMP grant in 2026. RTWPB-IX Chairperson Albert E. Gutib spearheaded the ceremony, together with representatives from the DOLE Zamboanga del Sur Field Office. Mr. Junipher Tumarong, proprietor of Artifex Computer and General Merchandise,...

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board IX (RTWPB-IX) on 12 April 2026 conducted a blended public hearing in Tetuan, Zamboanga City to review kasambahay (domestic worker) wages. A total of 40 kasambahay and six other stakeholders attended the in-person session, while additional participants from outside Zamboanga City joined via Zoom. In his preliminary statement, Director Albert E. Gutib, Chairperson of RTWPB-IX, acknowledged the challenges brought about by the Middle East oil crisis and assured stakeholders that the Board is exerting all efforts to extend assistance within its...

Nearly 70 participants representing 61 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) attended the “Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod at Productivity” conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-IX (RTWPB-IX) on 11 March 2026 in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. The activity formed part of the agency’s region-wide information campaign on Wage Order No. RIX-24 and its continued promotion of the Two-Tiered Wage System. Mr. Joel M. Ijirani, RTWPB-IX Board Secretary IV, discussed the salient provisions of Wage Order No. RIX-24 and provided guidance on wage distortion resolution, facility...

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-IX (RTWPB-IX) conducted the Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod at Productivity on 10 March 2026, in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. Over 50 participants representing 45 local micro, small, and medium enterprises gained insights into wage policies and productivity programs during the “Usapang 2Ps” session in Labason. Mr. Joel M. Ijirani, RTWPB-IX Board Secretary IV, spearheaded the Usapang Pasahod segment, where participants were apprised of the provisions of Wage Order No. RIX-24. The session also introduced the participants to the Board’s other...

RTWPB-IX conducted on January 30, 2026 an “Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod at Productivity” for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based in Zambaonga City. A total of 45 participants representing 38 MSMEs attended the training. The program featured four integrated sessions: a wage briefing on Wage Order No. RIX-24, a discussion on wage distortion, a seminar-workshop on Lean Management, and technical assistance on Productivity-Based Incentive Schemes (PBIS). Mr. Joel M. Ijirani, Board Secretary VI, provided a comprehensive discussion on Wage Order No. RIX-24, including the Board’s initiatives before...