The Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR) opens the doors to its 5th One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub at Quirino, Luna, Apayao, showcasing proudly Apayao products of micro, small, and medium enterprises from the province.
The OTOP.PH or OTOP Philippines Hub is the demand side of the OTOP program, which provides the physical and online channels and market access platform where OTOP products – especially those which has been assisted via product development – are showcased on a day-to-day basis. This addresses the markets side of entrepreneurship.
“The OTOP Hub-Apayao will serve as a one-stop retail store where market-ready products from OTOP offerings can be found by both local buyers and tourists. It will serve as a market-access platform to provide opportunities and promote high quality and proudly Filipino-made products like processed food, health and wellness, homestyle and decors, and wearables”, DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona stated in her message, who graced the event online.
DTI-CAR OIC Juliet P. Lucas also stated that the OTOP Hub can serve as an avenue of exchange for locally made products across the country. “Through the 83 OTOP Hubs in the Philippines, we look at the possibility of exchange across all provinces on local products available in their respective areas”, OIC RD Lucas added.
In her message of support to the OTOPreneurs, DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG) Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga said that “…this meaningful event is a celebration of the hard work of all stakeholders. May this remind us that this is just the beginning. There are more to do and accomplish. But, one thing I can assure you is that, we, the OTOP Program Office with the ROG, will be with you through this journey at sama-sama tayong bumangon for a “better normal.”
The DTI, represented by Regional Director Lucas and Apayao Provincial Director Wena Buston, the Local Government of Apayao, represented by Governor Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, and the Operator for the Hub, Hon. Kyle Bulut, also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to signify their commitment to the maintenance and development the Apayao OTOP hub.
To date, the DTI has assisted a total of 73 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with 139 products improved through capacity-building activities, production trainings, and packaging innovations.♦
Date of Release: 22 February 2022