Marikina launches OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center to help MSMES promote local products
The local government of Marikina and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opened the One Town, One Product (OTOP) hub and Pasaubong Center to promote quality Marikina-made products and help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES).
OTOP is a priority stimulus program of the DTI for MSMES in different regions in the country.
Marikina First District Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro graced the opening of the one-stop shop that intends to make Marikina-made products accessible to the public, especially to tourists.
In her speech, the lawmaker said the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center also aims to help MSMES in the city to grow and flourish that’s why it was provided for free to them.
The OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center is located at the Marikina Sports Center, along Mcdonald’s Avenue. Showcased at the one-stop shop are quality and durable leather goods, handicrafts, bags, and local food products, among others.
The OTOP Philippines Hub or OTOP.PH provides physical and online channels as well as a market access platform where OTOP products, particularly those that have been aided through product development, are presented on a daily basis. This section tackles the markets aspect of entrepreneurship.
Teodoro said that they want people’s love for Marikina-made shoes and bags to return.
“Ang mga taga Marikina, hindi lang may disiplina, pero higit sa lahat skilled, talented, matiyaga sa kanilang pagmamahal sa isang produkto,” the lawmaker also said.
She expressed intention of expanding the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center with the City Tourism Office to make the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Shop to be the last stop for all tourists visiting Marikina City.
Marikina City, led by Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, has been advocating to boost the city’s shoe industry by showcasing affordable and durable shoes and leather goods made by the Shoe Capital’s skilled craftsmen.
For her part, DTI Regional Director Marcelina S. Alcantara said that the OTOP Hub is a big help to MSMES by providing marketing and product development.
The congresswoman also lauded the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office (LEPO) headed by their hard-working chief, Lourdes Dela Paz, for ensuring MSMES in Marikina will participate in the said program.
According to Dela Paz, a total of 18 merchants in the city participated in the program of the DTI.
The merchants are: Abby Shoes/ Roadtrips Sandals; Apollo Shoe Gallery; C. Point Shoes; Ely Knows Enterprises; L. Evaristo Shoe Shop; Princess Ilona; Nico Angelo Leather Classic; Zachy Shoes; Fontelle Shoes; Tropical Palm Herb Manufactring; Clavel Handicrafts; Suba’s Diner; Authentic Wood Products; Vinhessa Food Processing and Marketing; V&M Handbags; Vestrada; FAVP Handvags/nichollethes; and Azulis Bag Collection.
Also present at the opening of the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center was Councilor Cloyd Casimiro, chairman of the Committee of Trade, Commerce and Industry.