The Hinigaran municipal government has made a significant move to support local entrepreneurs by launching its own “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) Retail Store and Learning Center on Monday, Sept. 1.
This is the first OTOP store in Negros Occidental to be directly led by a local government unit (LGU), a new milestone in promoting economic development at the grassroots level, Engiemar Tupas, chief trade-industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said.
The initiative follows the signing of an Executive Order by Vice Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo, which institutionalizes the OTOP program in the municipality in line with Republic Act 11960, also known as the OTOP Law. The law encourages communities to identify, develop, and promote products and services that reflect their local culture.
The newly opened OTOP Hub, a joint project with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Occidental, is more than just a retail space. It also houses a Negosyo Center and a training facility, providing a central location for enterprise development. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the LGU and DTI to solidify their partnership in operating the hub.
Inside, visitors can find a diverse array of local products, including crafts made from the area’s abundant lamperong shell, various food products, fashion accessories, and home furnishings.
During the launch, Vice Mayor Arceo praised the positive impact of the Negosyo Center on local businesses and reiterated the LGU’s commitment to supporting enterprise development. DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal also expressed her gratitude, highlighting the hub’s role as a platform for promoting local products and fostering collaboration among the LGU, government agencies, and private institutions.
Following Hinigaran’s lead, two other LGUs in the province are set to launch their own OTOP Hubs next week: Kabankalan City on September 11 and Sipalay City on September 12. This trend shows a growing commitment among local governments to empower their communities and boost local economies, Tupas said.