CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga– Expanding the market of regional products, another One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub was blessed and opened in this city aimed to promote only the best handcrafted products of the Cordilleras.
This OTOP 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 in the long run will help sustain the livelihood of people.
The first OTOP hub to open in Kalinga and second in the Cordillera region, it displayed for sale the province’s popular coffee products such as the Kalinga Blend and Kalinga Brew, coffee by -products, various local products and village handicrafts.
Lino Cungihan, OIC provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry said he likes to see the future of this OTOP being counted in regional and national market trade fairs. “Through this direction, we can sustain the livelihood of our people,” he said.
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 (MSMEs) can pave the way for the enrolment of additional 50 MSMEs in 2019 and contribute in curbing unemployment through the “Barangay Trabaho.”
Grace Agtina, on the other hand, said “we look forward to more production and product innovations as we join together 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) challenged her group members and other MSMEs to strive more in improving the manufacture of local products while committing to promote the OTOP hub.
Provincial Planning and Development Doordinator Flor Moldero, who represented Gov. Baac during the event, congratulated DTI, the MSME Council and CKAPI for their contribution in making Kalinga number 19 Most Competitive LGU. She also recognized the industry sector’s contribution to the Seal of Good Governance Award received by the province. **JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga
