LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — The Department of Trade and Industry in Laguna (DTI Laguna) congratulates the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) for conducting more than a weeklong UPLB Expe Expo in celebration of 1st anniversary of the One Town, One Product Hub (OTOP Hub) and Techno-Hub and One Stop Shop (THOSS) in UPLB.
During the Expe Feast Culminating Event held on July 29, 2023, Trade and Industry Development Specialist Grace Del Carmen delivered the message of DTI Laguna Officer-in-Charge Christian Ted Tungohan and quoted, “It is with immense joy that we stand before you today, celebrating not only our accomplishments but also the lasting connections we have built with every one of you. Throughout the year, the commitment to providing the finest and most authentic products has never wavered. We take pride in showcasing the rich varieties of our local craft skills, from sweet delicacies to crafted souvenirs. On this, we would also like to express our appreciation to our suppliers, partners, and buyers who have supported and made it possible. Let us continue to celebrate this event with even stronger bonds… and we look forward to many more years of bringing the best of Laguna products.”
Inspirational messages from UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr and UPLB Alumni Association President Capt. Mauro Barradas were also conveyed. Both reminisced the incubation of UPLB OTOP Hub and THOSS and assured the UPLB community, clients, and partners that the collaboration will continue to generate and implement ideas, businesses, and programs to support the students and the community.
A special recognition to UPLB OTOP Hub suppliers was also facilitated by UPLB Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Business Affairs Office Director Dr. Jennifer Marie Amparo. The following top performing suppliers (arranged from first to fifth) in terms of highest gross sales, compliance, and active participation to activities were given Certificates of Recognition:
1. Dairy Training and Research Institute – dairy products
2. Samahang Maggagatas Ng Batangas Cooperative – milk
3. ChocoButiog Food Products – cacao-based products
4. Switsis Food Products – biscuits and candies
5. Likhaya Food Products – soy-based products and chilled taho
The celebration ended with a feast prepared by OTOP Hub suppliers, gathering all the guests to the taste of Laguna’s best products. Aside from the famous DTRI milk, some of the products spotted in the feast were Lopa Winery flavored wines, Cocoplus coconut milk, Yollie’s alamang, Vegetari Healthy Bites, Mama Mia’s calamansi crinkles, Ellen’s mushroom pasta, Brics Ventures Slimariz blended coffee and new squash sapin-sapin, Sophie’s Gourmet Products, Harito Food Products desserts, and many more.
Ever since the inked partnership of DTI Laguna and UPLB for the establishment of OTOP Hub in UPLB last July 22, 2022, several capacity building seminars for suppliers particularly food compliance trainings were conducted and the generated sales from the Hub is consistently increasing tremendously.
UPLB OTOP Hub is open to bring you the best of the best Laguna products from Monday to Friday (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and Saturday (6:00 AM to 12:00 NN). Tara na at suportahan ang sariling atin. Tatak OTOP at UPLB, Atin ‘To! ♦
Date of Release: 8 August 2023
