DTI sets new ways to sustain countryside entrepreneurship

CEBU, Philippines – While it is still not certain that the new government will continue the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program next year, which has been existing for the past five years, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is already preparing alternative strategies to sus-tain the development of countryside entrepreneurship.

OTOP is a priority program of the government started by former DTI secretary Mar Roxas to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, local chief execu-tives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing, and promot-ing a specific product or service, which has a competitive advantage.

During the formal opening of the 5th OTOP Visayas Island Fair, which is participated in by three regions in the Visayas, Regions 6,7 and 8, DTI undersecretary Merly M. Cruz said that one of the alternative strategies is to forge a partnership deal with the Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade Inc. (APFTI) to formally connect OTOP-identified industries to be made available in all Fair Trade stores nationwide.

Although there are already a number of OTOP producers who are now suppliers of APFTI-member stores, Cruz said it is good to officially connect them to the group.

APFTI envisions an empowered community of entrepreneurs fighting poverty and con-tributing to sustainable development through Fair Trade. It also provides business and product development services, advocacy and market access assistance to small and me-dium community enterprises.

With APFTI strong social responsibility thrust, to improve the economic status of end producers in the country, it is very important that OTOP identified industries will be ac-tively involved in the fair trade system.

DTI is currently negotiating with the APFTI group and is trying to put up effective mechanism to make OTOP producers professionally ready to get into mainstream com-mercialization.

Aside from the partnership of APFTI, DTI was also able to link the OTOP producers to exporters, especially in Cebu, specifically those areas where OTOP products are mostly producing products for fashion accessories, bags, and home furnishings.

On the other hand, DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte expressed optimism that the PNoy-led government will continue this effective and noble program to enhance the potential industries in the country, stressing the initial support given by some Congress-men.

"OTOP is a very effective program. I hope it will be continued by the government," Caberte said.

The five-day exhibit which started on November 17 and will culminate on November 21, of OTOP products from three regions in the Visayas is now held at SM City Cebu Atrium, and offers distinctive and unique creations in different regions.

This year, producers are mostly offering environment-friendly products, from souvenir items, novelty products, gift items, home decors, natural fiber, processed food, footwear to wearables.

The three regions have joined hands to come-up with the fair at SM City Cebu to pro-vide opportunities for budding and potential entrepreneurs and develop new culture of local pride.

Under the OTOP program, LGUs take the lead in identifying, developing and promot-ing specific product or service of their areas have specific advantage.

The program also provides a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector. This includes; business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development, appropriate technologies and marketing. (FREEMAN)