TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Expanding the market of regional products, another One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub was opened in this city to promote best handcrafted products of the Cordilleras.
The hub located at the Golden Berries Hotel and Convention Center and operated by Grace Agtina serves as display and retail outlet of local products, which to boost livelihood of people.
The first OTOP hub to open in Kalinga and second in the Cordillera region, on display for sale were the province’s popular coffee products such as the Kalinga Blend and Kalinga Brew, coffee by -products , various local products and village handcrafts.
Lino Cungihan, OIC provincial director of the Dept. of Trade and Industry said he he would like the OTOP counted in regional and national market trade fairs.
Assistant DTI-Cordillera regional director Grace Baluyan, in her message said the growth in the market of products produced by Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) can pave way for additional 50 MSMEs in 2019 and contribute curb unemployment through the “Barangay Trabaho.”
Grace Agtina said “we look forward for more production and product innovations as we join together work to replicate the experiences of Davao City and Cebu City.”
She called on other MSMEs to set aside competition and instead help one another grow. “You can bring your products here in the hub for sale,” she said.
Meanwhile, Regina Madio, president of the Chamber of Kalinga Associations of Producers Inc., (CKAPI) urged her group members and MSMEs to improve manufacture of local products while committing to promote the OTOP hub.
Provincial planning and development coordinator Flor Moldero, who represented Gov. Baac during the event, cited the DTI, MSME Council and CKAPI for their contribution in making Kalinga number 19 most competitive LGU.
She also cited the industry sector’s contribution to the Seal of Good Governance Award received by the province. -- PIA Kalinga