The National Wages and Productivity Commission convened the 2018 National Productivity Conference with the theme “People-Centric Technologies, Breakthrough Innovation for MSMEs” at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila on September 14, 2018. Presentations from experts and industry practitioners on leveraging technology, creativity and innovation highlighted the event.

In her welcome remarks, NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy said the conference would serve as an avenue for exchanging views and ideas and would widen stakeholders’ knowledge on people- centric technologies and breakthrough innovation and level the playing field of MSMEs in the global market.

Messages from the tripartite partners underscored the value created by technology and innovation towards advancing the competitiveness of enterprises. DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya focused on the passage of the MSME Development Plan and the issuance of Executive Order 50 as milestones in helping the MSME sector grow and become viable enterprises. NEDA Director Reynaldo R. Cancio stressed the importance of economic integration and openness in diffusing technology and increasing competition in boosting productivity.

The Secretary’s Keynote Address, read by Undersecretary Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III, stressed the importance of productivity towards the attainment of the President’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda as well as the country’s commitment to the 2025 ASEAN Economic Blueprint.

DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba opened the plenary session by discussing DTI’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy for inclusive and sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Google Philippines Country Manager Mr. Kenneth Lingan talked about Google’s various platforms that could increase business’ visibility and market share. Dr. Rana Hasan of Asian Development Bank discussed his analysis of the impact of automation on the labor market.

In the afternoon, Mr. Paul D. Lazaro of the Development Bank of the Philippines presented various financial technology tools available to MSMEs, followed by Mr. Jose Alvaro Severino “Jas” Nito of Go Negosyo who talked about the partnership program of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Agrarian Reform in sustaining and scaling up the agribusiness in the country through mentorship.

In the area of human resource management, For Session 6, Mr. Patrick V. Marquina of Willis Towers Watsons described the characteristics of multi-generational workplaces and HR tools and approaches to effectively manage inter-generational differences in a technologically advancing environment. The final session with Dr. Christopher D. Monterola of the Asian Institute of Management focused on the use and importance of data analytics in generating science-based solutions for simple to complex problems in business and governance.

The NWPC also launched its new program logos in colors and designs that capture the creativity and innovativeness of program content and delivery. It also kicked off the 2019 Productivity Olympics.