Tags: Agribusiness, Cottage Industries, Handicrafts
By Anna Valmero
PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA—Over the last five years, the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has generated more than 444, 000 local jobs.
“About 99 percent of municipalities and cities in the Philippines already have products branded as OTOP,” reported DTI undersecretary Merly Cruz, also a member of department’s Regional Operations and Development Group
OTOP products allow buyers to bring home a part of the identity of a particular town or city since most of the products come from locally available indigenous materials.
Modeled after Japan’s “One Village, One Product” project for regional development, OTOP generated $677 million in export sales, 16.6 billion pesos in domestic sales and 11.2 billion pesos in investments between 2005 and 2010, according to DTI.
Initiated in late 2004, OTOP was launched to stimulate economic development in the countryside by expanding trade of products that banner the unique culture and tradition of a manufacturing locality.
The products under the OTOP banner are sourced from indigenous materials to reduce costs of raw materials and enhance creativity among local folks.
DTI executives work with local executives to identify, develop and promote products and services that demonstrates each town’s competitive advantage. Support programs are undertaken to spur business growth and provide access to bigger markets.
Want to travel and shop around the Philippines in a day? Check out this year’s OTOP National Expo to be held Halls 1 and 2 of the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall on September 21 to 25. Entrance is free and open to the public
Among the products to see this year include the Ilocos empanada and the world-famous sweet mangoes from Guimaras. There will also be fruit wines from Misamis Oriental and the freshest ground coffee from Kalinga.
All of that while looking for colorful espadrilles from Liliw in Laguna, gold jewelry from Compostela Valley, Leyte’s ticog grass or pandan bags, up to quirky furniture and home decor by the craftsmen of Ilocos Sur, La Union and Quirino.
DTI estimates some 273 entrepreneurs from 72 provinces will join this year’s expo.
(Photos courtesy of DTI-Regional Operations & Development Group and the Bureau of Domestic Trade)
Related stories:
Filipino entrepreneur creates world-class leather goods from local plants
Wooden bags provide livelihood for Paete artists
Families of OFWs in Misamis benefit from ‘sinamay’ products
DTI contest recognizes micro and small businesses
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