Two local government units (LGUs) in southern Negros Occidental, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will launch their One Town, One Product (OTOP) hubs in September.
Hinigaran town will open its OTOP hub on Sept. 2, followed by Sipalay City on Sept. 12.
“This initiative aims to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote local tourism, and support home-grown products,” the DTI-Negros Occidental said in a statement on Thursday, August 21.
Hinigaran and Sipalay will offer a wide range of delicacies and handcrafted products made by their respective entrepreneurs.
Engiemar Tupas, chief trade-industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, earlier said existing product showrooms of the cities of Kabankalan, Himamaylan, San Carlos, Sagay and Talisay are also expected to be converted into OTOP hubs.
OTOP Philippines is a government flagship program that supports MSMEs through tailored government interventions to promote inclusive local economic growth.
Section 7 of the OTOP Philippines Act provides that products must be consistent with culture, community resource, connection among the locals, creativity and competitive advantage.
In Bacolod City, two OTOP hubs are owned and managed by groups of local producers — the Association of Negros Producers Showroom on South Capitol Road, and the OTOP Lifestyle inside the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.*PNA