Through its programs One Town One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) and Brand Equity Development, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) has helped a total of 157 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon in 2017. Of this total, 39 enterprises are in the food sector while 118 are in the non-food sectors.
The OTOP Next Gen program provided assistance to small businesses in the region in terms of product development assistance, improvement in product design, packaging and labeling and the improvement or development of brands to increase value added and make them more saleable and make their mark in the local and global market. A total of 734 prototypes of local products were developed through the engagement of design and branding experts. Of this, 153 were food products while 581were non-food products like furniture and handicrafts for which the region is known for. In terms of branding, a total of 74 new brands were developed with the help of brand experts engaged by DTI-3 to assist Central Luzon MSMEs. Among the new brands, 22 were on food products while 52 were non-food product brands.
The prototypes of these products were launched during the last Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair held in October 2017. Because of the improved designs, brands and labels, a total of Php 4.38 Million was generated by the assisted under these programs. Other marketing events also featured the prototypes such as the October FAME, the National Trade Fair in December, BUFFEX, ASPIRE 2017, etc. These other promotional activities generated added sales of P4.29M to the MSMEs who benefitted from the program
The OTOP Next Gen is an expanded version of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program implemented in 2003 which aimed to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. The OTOP Next Gen is a leveling up process with the goals of assisting OTOP MSMEs to improve significantly in the areas of quality, design, standards compliance, marketability, and production capability. The Brand Equity Development (BEDP) program aims to develop new strong homegrown Philippine brands in both local and foreign markets from the ranks of MSMEs.♦