OTOP Visayas Trade Fair: A feast of local products

Featuring the products from all over the Visayas Region, the One Town One Product (OTOP) Visayas Trade Fair 2006 hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry as a priority program of the Philippine National Government officially opened yesterday at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall.

Exhibitions from Region 6, 7, and 8 who organized the said fair actively gathered numerous participants from their respective regions bringing their various "signature" products.

Dubbed as "A Feast for the Senses", the fair was inviting every Filipino to see, hear, smell, taste and feel the products of the Central Philippines.

Department of Trade Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Carissa Cruz-Evangelista who is also the acting National OTOP Program Manager, welcomed the visitors from business sectors and government units.

DTI Secretary Peter Favila discussed the source of the OTOP concept, which is basically an adoption of Japan's successful "One Village, One Product" project for regional development.

Secretary Favila added that this project challenges every Filipino with their partners in government to produce a booming result just like other countries that have successfully implemented the same concept.

Secretary Mike Defensor, who was the guest of honor, emphasized that the project is mainly for the community, its products, and for the whole Filipino society's development.

Secretary Defensor added that the greatest level of Philippine Nationalism is when Filipino buy products made in our country.

The ribbon cutting was conducted by Sec. Defensor assisted by Sec. Favila, Undersecretary Evangelista, Ambassador Dee Donald (PCCIC), Mr. Francis Chua (FFCCI), Mr. Sergio Luis Ortiz (Philexport) and other VIP's.

An exhibit filled with distinct whiffs of regional delicacies, sophisticated wonders of local cuisine and feel the touch of native weaves from the different towns which wrapped up the senses of the guests. These proudly made products and industries cater to produce opportunities in empowering the community and country as well.

Launching OTOP serves as a proper tool in supporting the Philippines's need in promoting its social engagements and broadening country's industries by opening new opportunities of employment.

The said fair is a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which aims to strengthen countryside development by promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs at the local level through development of products and services that has competitive advantage.

Delicacies, resources, and special products of each region will displayed in a special setting for the entire fair which will run until November 26, 2006.

Meanwhile, the DTI -Intel Business Technology (BizTech) Center, a project of DTI with Intel Microelectronics Philippines, Inc. and the Go Negosyo Mentorship Website for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of DTI and Phil. Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) were held at the DTI Region VII Office in Cebu City.

Both help train potential entrepreneurs on how to use technology and software and how to start, run and enhance their business.