One Town One Product extended

MANILA, Philippines - The implementation of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program has been extended, citing its effective strategy in stimulating economic development in the countryside.

The OTOP is a five-year program started in 2004 and expected to end in 2010. OTOP achieved and even surpassed its targets, including the generation of 668,000 new jobs and P7.431 billion worth of investments.

OTOP was envisioned to build a strong nation backed by progressive municipalities that boast of competitive micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that, in turn, would provide employment and fuel the local economy by providing products and services that were distinctively identified with their respective cultures and that maximized the use of their local resources.

Thriving OTOP MSMEs were ultimately projected to create jobs and alleviate poverty, and gave rise to self-reliant towns. This goal would be achieved through an enabling business environment that would encourage more competitive entrepreneurs that were motivated to deliver quality products and services for the local and export markets. Consequently, a market-driven consciousness among MSMEs would enable them to maximize the use of local materials and skills that were available in the regional and rural areas of the country and to continually produce globally competitive and distinctive products.

As the primary government agency mandated to promote the growth of enterprises, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rolled out OTOP to promote the unique and competitive products or services of Philippine towns and cities.

DTI has advocated the program’s ideals and has provided the necessary support for its implementation.

Meanwhile, an expo will be conducted on Sept. 21-25 at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City to highlight public awareness of the OTOP program.

Intended to showcase the best OTOP products and services from all over the country, the expo will provide a venue where outstanding OTOP products shall be offered for sale as well as promote OTOP tourist destinations.