MANILA — The best of local products from provinces and cities all over the country can now be found inside Malacañang complex. This after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office of NCR has brought the first OTOP Philippines Hub to life.

 

The OTOP Philippines Hub or OTOP.PH is a retail store and marketplace where products from One Town One Product (OTOP) offerings can be found. Catering to the general mainstream market of both local buyers and tourists, it offers a general outlet for quality and standards-compliant OTOP products.

 

The launch was attended by Madam Honeylet Avancena, partner to President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte, and Special Assistant to the President, Christopher “Bong” Go, and other government officials and MSME guests.

 

“The goal is provide market access support for small businesses and generate patronage of local products from our micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME). We hope that Filipinos themselves and foreign tourists alike can eventually enjoy this hub in every province.” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

 

OTOP Philippines is a priority stimulus program for Micro and Small and Medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) as government’s customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth. The k enables localitio and communities to develop, support, and promote culturally-rooted products or services where they can be the best at or best renowned for. DTI and other government agenci to transform the products and make them market-ready.
 
For Metro Manila’s pilot OTOP Hub, DTI partnered with Kapandesal Café owned by former TV reporter Aida Gonzales. As support to our MSMEs who diligently went through the needed product development effort as part of OTOP Next Gen, the products now found their home at OTOP.PH.

 

“Before the products reach mainstream groceries, supermarkets, department stores, and concept retail stores including Go Lokal!, these products need a well-branded, reliable, and managed outlet where consumers can easily find these products. Trade fairs and bazaars also help but a regular outlet and space where OTOP products can be found will increase market visibility and reach,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga, program-in-charge.
 
OTOP Hubs also feature local products from Bangon Marawi, Bagong Buhay Boracay and DOST’s OneStore. OTOP NCR also showcases dolls from San Juan, suman from Pasig, and Marikina shoes, among others.

 

OTOP Philippines Hub and Kapandesal Cafe can be found at Kimimori Bldg., 1558 JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Malacanan, Manila and opens everyday except Sunday from 6AM to 8PM. For orders and inquiries, one may contact Kapandesal at  02-2512376 or email OTOP office at otop.gov.ph.♦