DOLE BOOSTS LOCAL STARTUP SALON’S GROWTH AND WORKFORCE CAPABILITIES THROUGH AMP INITIATIVE IN TANAUAN CITY

In the highly competitive beauty and wellness industry, keeping up with rapid trend shifts and technical advancements can be a grueling uphill battle for startup enterprises. 

For SJM Empire Lifestyle Services Corporation, popularly known as Empire Salon Studio, located at 68 President JP Laurel Highway, Poblacion 5, Tanauan City, this challenge was a reality that threatened their market edge.

However, through the proactive employment and enterprise-driven agenda of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, a strategic partnership was forged under the department's Adjustment Measures Program (AMP). Guided by Secretary Tolentino’s vision of uplifting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and upholding the dignity of the Filipino workforce, this timely intervention has completely transformed the startup's operational trajectory, turning workforce vulnerability into a hallmark of professional excellence. 

Dir. Prelma M. Tan and Ms. Patricia Ivana Magsino with the staff of Empire Salon during the turnover ceremony (Photo by: April Rose Magpantay/ DOLE BPO)

Like many newly established enterprises, Empire Salon Studio faced significant bottlenecks in talent acquisition and human resource development prior to availing of the government program.

"Before joining the program, as a startup salon business, one of our challenges was finding and hiring skilled stylists," shared Ernelo M. Malalad, Jr., the salon's Chief Operations Officer. "With new techniques, services, and trends constantly emerging, it was also difficult to continuously upskill our team. Due to our limited resources, we were unable to develop a structured training program, making it challenging to equip our employees with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality services and stay competitive in the industry."

Discovering a lifeline through DOLE Batangas' official social media page, the salon’s leadership proactively decided to participate in the AMP framework. 

For Empire, the core objective was clear: enhance the skills, productivity, and overall service quality of the salon team while fostering sustainable and rewarding career pathways for its workforce.

Staff of Empire Salon under comprehensive training as per request in DOLE- AMP (Photo by: April Rose Magpantay/ DOLE BPO)

Under the close guidance and facilitation of DOLE AMP Focal Person, Ms. Patricia Ivana Magsino, Labor and Employment Officer II, Empire Salon Studio officially engaged in the training intervention which ran from November to December 2025.

The program rolled out an intensive, structured curriculum that effectively blended theoretical discussions with immersive hands-on demonstrations. 

Experienced industry trainers guided the salon’s workforce through modern hair styling methodologies, premium hair care services, and the precise utilization of state-of-the-art salon equipment.

DOLE AMP intervention provided sessions with heavily integrated core professional modules covering workplace communication, robust teamwork dynamics, and a customer-first service mindset. Both front-facing salon staff and administrative personnel underwent the professional development tracks, ensuring a holistic upgrade across the entire enterprise.

Aside from the comprehensive training sessions, the DOLE AMP assistance also turned over modern salon equipment and premium materials, giving the team the actual resources necessary to execute their new skills. 

According to Malalad, with these tools on hand, the enterprise has reported a sweeping positive level up in its day-to-day operations, starting with the elimination of workflow inefficiencies as the implementation of standardized salon procedures streamlined client transitions and maximized chair efficiency.

Materials and Equipment request of Empire Salon under AMP Program (Photo by: April Rose Magpantay/ DOLE BPO)

This comprehensive training and provision of salon materials and equipment allows employees to emerge with heightened professional confidence, a clearer understanding of their specialized roles, and stronger job satisfaction. “Through the program, our team gained advanced technical skills in premium hair care services, standardized salon procedures, and the proper use of modern salon equipment. They also learned new techniques that improved service quality, consistency, and efficiency. Beyond technical knowledge, the training strengthened their professionalism, teamwork, and customer-first mindset. The experience inspired them to continuously improve their skills and confidently deliver high-quality salon services” Macalalad narrated

Mr. Ernelo Malalad Jr. (Empire Salon) and Ms. Patricia Ivana Magsino (DOLE) and other members of the Empire Salon (Photo by: April Rose Magpantay/ DOLE BPO)

"The assistance had a significant positive impact on our business and work environment, our team became more productive, confident, and consistent in delivering quality salon services. We have also strengthened our performance management through regular coaching, guidance, and clear service standards."  Malalad concluded. 

Through targeted interventions like the Adjustment Measures Program, DOLE continues to demonstrate its vital role not just as a regulatory body, but as a proactive catalyst for micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) incubation.