CEBU CITY — DTI Region 7 Central Visayas inaugurated its 6th OTOP Hub in the region at Ayala Center Cebu on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, with Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative as its operator.

DTI 7 Regional Director, Maria Elena Arbon, mentioned that the OTOP Program’s marketing intervention involves not only conducting trade fairs but also establishing OTOP Hubs nationwide. The Ayala Center Cebu OTOP Hub is the 112th of its kind in the country, as confirmed by DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Assistant Secretary, Leonila Baluyut.

This hub will feature a curated selection of products, including those based on coco, cacao, coffee, processed food, processed fruits and nuts, bamboo, as well as wearables and homestyle items from MSMEs in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

Usec. Blesila A. Lantayona from DTI ROG expressed gratitude to Ayala Land Inc. for partnering with DTI to establish OTOP Hubs in all its Ayala Mall branches nationwide, under its Alagang Ayala Land program, focusing on generating livelihood and jobs through social enterprises.

Following negotiations with Ayala Center Cebu management and directives from Ayala Land Inc., the mall management has agreed to provide a significantly large space of 110.24 sqm, with free rental for one year and minimal payment for other common charges, to be shouldered by the identified hub operator — Lamac MPC.

Ayala Land, Inc. AVP Jinky T. Aguinaldo Alagang also affirmed Ayala’s alignment with the project’s purpose, promising continued support.

DTI 7 leveraged the expertise of the DTI – Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) to create the store’s design layout. DCP, led by Executive Director Maria Rita Matute, handled the visual merchandising for the official launch of the OTOP Hub, following design and branding guidelines provided by DTI Head Office for the interior design and branding of OTOP Hubs nationwide.

In her acceptance message, Lamac MPC General Manager, Maria Elena Limocon, along with Pinamungajan Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro, conveyed their readiness to manage the OTOP Hub, making Lamac MPC the first cooperative nationwide to undertake this responsibility.

The OTOP Hub in Ayala Center Cebu will serve as a marketing platform to sell and promote OTOP products in Central Visayas. It will also function as an incubation and market testing facility, providing local and international tourists with a convenient and one-of-a-kind pleasant shopping destination for innovative and high-quality OTOP products during mall operations and hours.

RD Arbon stated that the number of merchants and products is still expected to grow in the coming weeks as the agency continues to onboard its assisted MSMEs.

This launching event aligns with the month-long celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month through DTI’s regional-festive initiative – FiestaKucha Cebu. ♦

Date of release: 29 September 2023

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