DTI's Go Lokal to boost Davao products

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Go Lokal Project, which will be launched this year, is seen to further promote and boost the development of local products in the region.

Implementing rules and regulations for the nationwide project of DTI, Go Local is being finalized according to Rachel Remitio, Chief of Small, Medium Enterprise Development Services Division of DTI 11.

“We are looking forward to develop products that are not the usual products we see everywhere. We will develop products that are export quality. We will provide assistance for some of the small enterprises that have hopefully graduated from the Mentor Me program. We want these products to really be equated with Davao,” said Remitio.

She said DTI will also assist with the Food and Drug Administration registration of these products and other necessary documents to be complied just so the small businesses can be ready for expansion.

The Go Lokal products will not only be limited to processed food but will also venture to nonfood items such as fashion accessories.

“But we have to make sure that we have suppliers so when the huge orders come in, we can meet the demand. If we develop this kind of product, are we assured that we have the enough supplies? We’ll not only develop the business sector but also the supply chain to ensure the supply so the exporter can meet the demands if ever,” she said.

DTI targets the orientation to be conducted sometime in April choosing among potential applicants who can commit to attend the product development sessions that will be conducted in line with the Go Lokal project.

“All they have to do is invest their time to be trained. If there is a prototype developed, they should be willing to invest for it to test the market,” said Remetio.

A Go Lokal store is also targeted to be put up in Francisco Bangoy International Airport but coordination with the airport administration is still ongoing.

As compared to the products in the Pasalubong Centers, Remetio said they expect the items from Go Lokal store to be more upgraded and to have an imported-quality that someone might not expect to be coming from the region. They will also make sure that items displayed at Go Lokal will be different from those in the pasalubong centers.