Tourists and motorists plying the national highway and frequenting the scenic Nassiping Forest Ecopark in Gattaran will now have a one-stop shop where they can buy all the top quality food, drinks, wearables and gift items from Cagayan Valley.
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI-R2) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cagayan officially launched the 4th One Town One Product (OTOP) Hub in Cagayan Valley located at Visitor’s Pavillion, Nassiping, Gattaran Cagayan, 23 on March 2021.
Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo in her opening message emphasized DTI’s assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the OTOP Program with the continuous product development and marketing activities both virtually and physically, and engaging MSMEs to digital platforms and cashless payments system.
“Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic which has limited the movement of people and consequently slowed down business and tourism, we remain undaunted; we see opportunities in the middle of adversities,” Regional Director Ocampo said.
She also highlighted that the assistance of DTI to MSMEs pushes them to get out of their comfort zones and look further to bigger and more profitable markets.
“We capacitate them, we prepare them, and we equip them with all the market entry certifications, so that when the time comes and that should be very soon, they are ready to compete” she added.
On the other hand, Cagayan Governor Hon. Manuel N. Mamba in his message highlighted directions for the Cagayan Province with the vision to become a window to East Asia for trade and investment and promised his full support to the different endeavors of DTI.
Further, DTI Secretary Hon. Ramon M. Lopez in his virtual message applauded the effort of the Provincial Government of Cagayan headed by Governor Mamba and DTI-R2 thru Regional Director Ocampo for the successful launching of the 4th OTOP Hub in the region, as part of the continuing commitment to empower MSMEs in providing proper interventions that will expand their market reach.
“As entrepreneurs continue their entrepreneurial journey, DTI is with you every step of the way to support you with the appropriate program or initiative.” he emphasized.
Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) also commended DTI and the Provincial Government of Cagayan for the laudable project that can help address the negative effects of the ongoing pandemic on the cash flow of MSMEs.
Likewise, ROG Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga shared the goal of the OTOP Program and encouraged everyone to support OTOPreneurs.
A highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that seals partnership between the DTI and the Provincial Government of Cagayan which will be forwarded to Sangguniang Panlalawigan for appropriate action.
Among the products on display and available for sale at the OTOP Hub Gattaran are processed food, drinks, and wines, native delicacies, agri-based produce such as coffee, cacao bits and tablea, fruits and nuts and food preserves. Non-food items include home decors, indigenous fashion and accessories and other items for gifts and souvenirs.
Every product available in OTOP HUBs was carefully selected, as ‘quality’ is of utmost importance. Sanitation, food safety, and proper handling of food products are strictly observed to ensure customers’ safety and protection.
Meanwhile, Nassiping Eco-reserve and Reforestation Park as the chosen location of OTOP Hub Gattaran is being developed as an eco-tourism destination in Cagayan Province.
Other OTOP Hubs in the region are located in Tuguegarao City (Airport), Santiago City, and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.♦
Date of Release: 29 March 2021