DOST program drawing little LGU support

An official of the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology yesterday admitted that they still have to do more to expand the “One Town One Product” in order to create more livelihood projects for the people.

Edilberto Paradela, assistant regional director and chief of the technical services of DOST 7, said only about 35 percent of the local government units are aware of the program.

DOST is one of the implementing agencies of the OTOP program together with the other government agencies like Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, among others.

Paradela, who was the guest speaker during the Association of Government Information Officers forum yesterday, explained the lack of awareness by some local officials on the program is one of the reasons of their lack of support for it.

“Some are not aware of our program because we lack tie up with them. May be we need the provincial personnel to approach them about the project,” he said.

Paradela said there are also some LGUs that know the program but they do not support it because they don’t realize its importance in promoting entrepreneurship and creation of jobs.

Lack of funding is also among the reasons why some LGUs do not participate in program.

OTOP is one of the priority projects of President Gloria Arroyo. It is aimed at developing and promoting a specific product or service in each town and city and, at the same time, providing means of livelihood to the people.

Under the OTOP, which started with 12 towns in Cebu in early 2006, the local government executives and members of the community identify a product or service that the town wants to promote.

This year, the DTI expects more local governments to join the program, and hopes to cover all 45 municipalities of Cebu. —Wenna A. Berondo/LPM