DTI 11 to launch 37 prototype Otops

ABOUT 37 new prototypes of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen of the Department of Trade of Industry (DTI) is targeted to be launched this 2018 by DTI Davao Region.

According to Trade and Industry Davao assistant regional director Edwin Banquerigo, this year two Go Lokal stores will be opened up in Abreeza Ayala Malls and SM City Davao. Currently the establishment of the stores in the said malls is still on the proposal level but Banquerigo said they will push through for it to be approved.

Go Lokal stores are pop-up stores that showcasing Filipino products made locally and by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) mostly those who have undergone the OTOP program of DTI. In Metro Manila, Go Lokal stores are available in Glorietta and Rustan’s.

The OTOP Next Gen program enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote culturally-rooted products or services where they can be the best at or best renowed for. It is focused on product development and brand equity. It’s more technology-driven and market-driven compared to its previous version – Otop which was first launched in 2004.

“MSMEs in Davao Region can participate as long as the level of quality and the level of design should be really good that’s why our product development trainings are very extensive,” said Banquerigo.

“The idea is we should create more products, we should create new design. We should really project the image of Davao as really the supplier of quality products. We have to develop new and improved products,” he added.

In 2017, a total of P7.9 million budget was approved for Davao Region’s OTOP Next Gen. DTI Davao Region Development Specialist Romeo Vasquez, Jr. said P1.7 million out of this is for Davao City while provinces like Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur each received P800,000 each.