BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the provincial government of Apayao, recently launched the One Town, One Product Philippines Hub (OTOP.PH) in the province.
DTI-Cordillera Regional Director Juliet Lucas and Apayao Governor Eleanor Bulut-Begtang led the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the OTOP.PH in a simple ceremony in Barangay Quirino in the municipality of Luna.
This OTOP Hub is the fifth hub to be established in the Cordillera region after Mountain Province, Baguio City, Kalinga and Ifugao.
In her message, Lucas admired the convergence of the key stakeholders in the province including the municipal local government units and national line agencies as she challenged everyone to take the opportunity of developing products that are distinct of the yApayaos. “A product that will be known both in the local and international market someday,” she said.
Lucas also extended gratitude to the various officials, partners and stakeholders who are instrumental in the establishment of the OTOP Hub Apayao especially DTI-Apayao head Engr. Wena Buston, Governor Begtang and Philippine Councilors League -Apayao Chapter President Kyle Mariah Chelsea S. Bulut.
Begtang lauded the DTI for establishing a OTOP Hub in the province which would feature and highlight the local products of Apayao.
"It has always been my dream to have a venue wherein local products can be displayed and sold. A place wherein tourists can see what the province has to offer; a venue para ipasindayaw ti products tayo iti Apayao [for us to showcase of products in Apayao], and provide additional income and employment opportunity to our producers", Bulut said
Acknowledging the role of the hub in advancing the local economy of the province, the Governor vowed her continuing support to the MSME sector. “I will remain steadfast in supporting livelihood programs of the province as this will empower not only our people but also the province as a whole in achieving sustainable economic growth,” she stressed.
The event was attended virtually by DTI Undersecretary Bles Lantayona urged the public especially government employees to help promote the OTOP.PH by becoming its local patrons “by buying, eating or using local products and other supplies available from the hub.”
Also present during the launching ceremony were DTI Region 2 Regional Director Romleah Juliet Pulido-Ocampo together with Provincial Director Henry Conel, Jr., Flora Mayor Rudy Juan, Luna Mayor Josephine Bangsil, Provincial SK Federation President Wenz Nathaly Cagat and other provincial and national line agency heads. (JDP/RMC-PIA CAR with reports from Apayao PLGU) (Apayao PLGU photos)
