CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Oriental, in coordination with the Local Government of Claveria, launched the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub at Claveria's View Deck in Barangay Lanise.

Almer R. Masillones, DTI-MisOr provincial director, said despite the challenges brought by COVID-19 pandemic, the national and local government unit, specifically Claveria town, still managed to demonstrate the highest value of public service because the interest of the community prevails.

"Indeed, our efforts resulted in the launching of this OTOP Hub. This project is the fruit of our collaboration and good relations between agencies as we come together to help our MSMEs own another platform for more markets, promotions, and invariably, more income,” she said.

Masillones said the newly-opened OTOP Center is the second hub launched in the province with the help of Mayor Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar, who pitched in more potential markets for the town’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The first store dubbed ‘Kuyamis OTOP Hub,’ she said, was built in Cafe Terasa at Misamis Oriental Tourism Complex and Botanical Gardens.

"We share the Mayor’s vision for a wider [market] reach, including tourists and patrons of local products. Claveria is a perfect place for the said hub because it is a ‘magnet for tourists’ plus the teeming opportunities for our MSMEs from Claveria and Misamis Oriental,” the DTI director added.

The Claveria OTOP Hub will be a one-stop retail store for market-ready products catering to local buyers and tourists. It serves as a marketing vehicle and incubation platform in promoting and championing the OTOP products coming from Claveria and nearby municipalities and cities of Misamis Oriental, including Cagayan de Oro City.

The products displayed in the OTOP Hub passed the minimum standards in labeling and packaging; good manufacturing practices; and enhanced product development set by DTI. (JAKA/PIA-10)