DTI: One Town One Product goods to be available in shopping malls

EXPORT-quality wearables and homestyle, processed food, fashion accessories and gift items will soon find a new home in shopping malls as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be bringing the One Town One Product (Otop) project closer to consumers.

DTI Chief Ramon Lopez, in a message delivered during the Visayas Area Business Conference in Ormoc City, said the agency has started negotiating with the country’s biggest shopping malls to carry the “new generation Otop” in their branches to bring Otop to the next level.

Robinsons Malls and Puregold were some of the initial establishments that the agency has reached out to.

“We are in discussion with industry players and Robinsons Galleria Cebu. The first one might be in Cebu or Manila,” said DTI 7 Director Asteria Caberte. She identified export-quality processed food, home decors and fashion accessories as the new generation Otop that will be showcased in shopping malls in Cebu.

DTI said its plan to strengtheng the Otop program this year is by incorpo- rating promotional activities with commercial establishments such as malls.

The agency said more medium and large enterprises will be encouraged to link with micro and small enterprises, including those large establishments through the promotion of inclusive business (IB).

DTI established Otop Philippines to support small and medium enterprises through product development, marketing, promotions, business counselling, skills and entrepreneurial training, and capital sourcing.

The trade agency said it helps in the development of a province’s or region’s main produce or industry to revitalize economic activity. Through the conduct of regional and national trade fairs, products from the regions are showcased to the domestic markets and possible trade partners.

Otop Philippines is also envisioned to become a global brand for Philippine products. With stringent standards for quality, market acceptance and competitiveness, DTI hopes to encourage more micro, small and medium enterprises to carry the Otop seal.