BOHOL – About 140 exhibitors joined in this year’s Sandugo One Town, One Product (OTOP) Trade Expo, a highly anticipated trade fair led by the Department of Trade and Industry in celebration of the Sandugo festival.

The festive trade expo, supported by the Provincial Government of Bohol, the City Government of Tagbilaran, the Alturas Group of Companies, and Island City Mall management, ran from July 17-22, 2024, at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City.

Over the years, the Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo has evolved into a premier platform for promoting local products. It has attracted numerous exhibitors from Bohol and neighboring provinces such as Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. Additionally, the expo has drawn participants from Regions 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, NCR, and CARAGA, each presenting a diverse array of products that embody the creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication of our local talents.

One highlight of this year’s event was the showcase of new products from 17 Boholano entrepreneurs who participated in a product development program in partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program. These innovative products were featured in a Special Setting on the upper ground floor at the Island City Mall.

DTI 7 Regional Director Maria Elena C. Arbon emphasized that through the program, DTI has enabled local entrepreneurs to create distinctive and high-quality products that can compete in both local and global markets.

In line with DTI’s commitment to digitalization and progress, the trade expo has integrated digital solutions to enhance the experience for both exhibitors and buyers. This year, DTI introduced ePayment systems, facilitating seamless and secure transactions.

According to RD Arbon, by embracing digitalization, the expo aimed to provide a more efficient and convenient marketplace, enabling entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences and streamline their sales processes.

During its closing ceremonies held on July 22, 2024, awards were given to the top sellers in three categories: Food, Non-food, and Furniture. In the Food category, Ayana’s Siling Kinamayo from the Davao Region received the top seller award. Adorno 72 Home Decor from Cebu won the award in the Non-food category, while Suyman Furniture Shop from Bohol earned the top seller award in the Furniture category.

For the Most Innovative Product, the Barong Tagalog by Rubyline Ladies Fashion from Negros Occidental was recognized. Lastly, the Green Product Award went to Sanig Handicrafts from Sorsogon for their eco-friendly backpack product.

This year’s Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo generated nearly PHP 20 million in sales, surpassing last year’s PHP 18 million by a significant margin. (DTI Bohol/PR)

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