BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) – A bakery in Marinduque has been recognized by the MIMAROPA regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Bureau of Competitive Development, and the Department of Science and Technology for meeting the second level of the Philippine Quality Award.
Through the DTI’s BCD, Rejano’s Bakery was recognized on March 4 for its excellence in quality management proficiency. The recognition coincided with the blessing and inauguration of Rejano’s new processing center in Barangay Lipa, Santa Cruz town.
The Philippine Quality Award, established under DTI Administrative Order 22-12, s. 2022, acknowledges organizations that demonstrate excellence in organizational performance and quality management practices.
BCD Director Lilian Salonga said the Philippine Quality Award is about excellence, noting that it is not just about the process but also leadership, strategy, customer orientation, knowledge and management.
“Hindi lamang ito nakabase sa proseso kung hindi tungkol ito sa pamumuno, estratehiya, customer orientation, kaalaman, pamamahala at resulta ng ipinakita sa komunidad,” she said. (It is not only based on process but it is about leadership, strategy, customer orientation, knowledge, management and the results shown to the community.)
Salonga also noted that nationwide, only three organizations have achieved the first level or “Demonstrated Commitment to Quality Management” and MIMAROPA stands out as the only region to reach level two.
Carmelita Rejano-Reyes, the owner of the bakery, expressed surprise at the recognition, saying “Hindi ko inaasahan na ako ang mapipili ng DTI dahil na rin siguro sa nakita nila ang mga pinagdaanan ko lalo na sa pagdalo ko rin sa mga libreng seminar ng DTI at DOST na kahit minsan ay hindi ako lumiban.” (I did not expect to be chosen by the DTI, perhaps because they saw what I went through, especially attending the free seminars of DTI and DOST, which I never missed.)
Reyes also appealed for government support to sustain their production, citing a shortage of raw materials that are only available in Marinduque.
“Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa pagkilala pero patuloy pa rin kaming humaharap sa mga hamon sa pagpapatuloy ng aming production. Isa sa pinakamalaking suliranin namin ay ang kakulangan sa mga raw materials na tanging matatagpuan lamang dito sa Marinduque. Nawa’y matulungan kami ng gobyerno na malutas ang problemang ito upang magpatuloy kami sa paggawa ng mga de-kalidad na produkto para sa aming komunidad,” she said. (I am very grateful for the recognition, but we continue to face challenges in continuing our production. One of our biggest problems is the lack of raw materials that are only found here in Marinduque. May the government help us solve this problem so that we can continue to make quality products for our community.)
Reyes, now the third generation to run the bakery, shared that the business has been operating since 1946 in Santa Cruz and continues to thrive today.
Meanwhile, DOST Marinduque Provincial Director Bernardo Caringal said it is their responsibility to guide and train micro, small and medium enterprises for the PQA, citing that Reyes has always been a dedicated participant in their training and seminars.
Caringal also emphasized the importance of leadership and teamwork within businesses, pointing out that staff must undergo rigorous training to produce quality products.
Rejano’s Bakery is one of five MSMEs producing products in the region. Reyes’ products, made from arrowroot, are joined by other local businesses producing coconut-based products, banana chips and guyabano.
DTI Regional Director Rodolfo J. Mariposque Jr., Provincial Director Roniel Macatol, along with representatives from Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr.’s office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Juan Fernandez and Santa Cruz Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez also attended the event. (DN/AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Marinduque)
