Originally Published 9.17.2018

MAKATI CITY, Philippines - Three new Filipino professionals with outstanding projects were recently certified by "The Six Sigma Guy" last August 25. One of them was David Baltazar - with his project cutting the processing time of bugs from 13 to 4 days!

Also, that day, was the last day of our Green Belt Class. The graduating wave was fortunate enough to witness the awarding and gather a few insights from the awardee's testimonial about his project. David Also left a few tips for the group and encouraged them to complete their project and get certified.

Our team also conducted a one-on-one interview with him after the awarding to gather more tips that might be helpful for our readers who are aspiring to get their Lean Six Sigma Certifications;

Q. What was your project about? 
A. It was about the reduction of processing time for low-priority bugs.

Q. What was it like for you, starting up and executing your own project?
A. It was challenging since you precisely apply what you have learned taking into account the methodology of the actual project or process of the company.

Q. What prompted you to take the Lean Six Sigma Workshop? 
A. The surge in demand for Lean Six Sigma practitioners here in the Philippines and abroad.

Q. What Prompted you to start your project? 
A. I get inspired when I see individuals complete their projects and be certified Lean Six Sigma belt holders. That's probably one of the many reasons why I was prompted to start the project.

Q. What was your project about? 
A. It was about the reduction of processing time for low-priority bugs.

Q. What were the results of your project? 
A. The average time to process a bug was reduced from 13 to 4 days.

Q. Among/Aside from the Action Items that were done, what were the key elements that led to the success of your project?
A. A key element in the success of the project was the presence of my Black Belt Coach. He provided guidance and support through the twists and turns of the project from beginning to end. As I've mentioned, I wouldn't progress that much if it wasn't for my Black Belt Coach.

Q. What was the impact of your project on your company? 
A. Average processing time decreased by 9 days.

​Q. What was the impact of being a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt on you as an individual / professional?
A. In terms of Impact, it made me change my perspective on how to approach a specific problem.

Before, I used to trust my "gut feeling" for decision-making situations.

Today, I have this data-driven approach allowing me to identify and facilitate the proper solution in relation to a given situation.

Q. What would be your message to those who are currently taking/planning to take the Green Belt Program or those who are currently conducting their own projects? 
A. For those planning to take the Green Belt Program, do yourself a favor and take it. Capitalize on the opportunity to learn from the best.

And for those currently doing their projects, pursue continuous improvement. Moving in a slow and steady manner is okay rather than going quickly but recklessly.

Q. Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
A. Maybe the key takeaway that I have learned from this experience is that it is difficult to seek improvement without the proper measurements on hand.

To be certified in Lean Six Sigma, one has to complete an actual Lean Six Sigma project and apply process improvement tools, methodology, and techniques learned in class. "That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification," Tuozo said. "If you attend our Lean Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," Tuozo added.

"If you attend our Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," –Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy"

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