BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office of CAR is set to bring the OTOP (ONE TOWN, ONE PRODUCT) program to the next level in 2018 to expand more assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
In the pilot run for OTOP program’s Assessment, Consultation, and Triage (ACT) session held in Baguio City, ten (10) MSMEs from the Province of Benguet had a one-on-one consultation session with professional designer and brand experts. DTI Provincial OTOP Point Persons were likewise present to observe the activity. The pilot run for the OTOP’s ACT session shall be replicated in all Provinces of CAR to include a second batch for the Province of Benguet.
In 2017, DTI-CAR was able to assist 279 MSMEs and develop/improve 342 products resulting to a Php 26, 505,785.35 total sales generated including sales during the DTI-CAR mounted IMPAKABSAT Trade Fair at the Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa. “We are highly encouraging our MSMEs this year to execute properly and take advantage of our brand experts and designers. It is important for our MSMEs to clearly set their business direction and adapt to evolving market needs” says OIC Assistant Regional Director Grace F. Baluyan.
Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga of DTI Regional Operations Group encouraged the MSMEs to aspire competing with the best in the world. “DTI is providing market access opportunities such as trade fairs, Go Lokal! and now the OTOP Philippines Hub where the best of our local products will be exhibited and sold. It is important that we open our minds and hearts – innovate and modernize in terms of design, learn from our customers, and seek ways to scale up so we can meet the demands of the market.”
“OTOP is a strategic program to build pride of place and for localities to focus on products that they can be the best at. We encourage the private sector and local government units to take their OTOP seriously so we can build enterprises and generate more jobs. In 2017, the program was able to assist 6,519 MSMEs and develop and improve 4,960 products all over the country. We hope to do more this year.” Leon Flores III, OTOP National Program Manager added.
Press Release