VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the second OTOP.Ph hub in this island at Amenia Beach Resort in San Andres on July 13, 2022.

One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines is a priority stimulus program for Micro, Small and Medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) as government’s customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth which enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote products or services that are rooted in its local culture, community resource, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage.

OTOP.PH or OTOP Philippines Hub is a component of OTOP considered as the demand side of the program which provides the physical and online channels and market access platform where OTOP products – especially those which has been assisted via product development – are showcased on a day-to-day basis.

According to DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Maria Belma Q. Escueta, the first OTOP.Ph hub in the province was opened in 2019 in Salvacion, Virac with entrepreneur Evelyn Bonifacio as operator of Catanduanes Pasalubong Shop. 

The activity was attended by BDD chiefs and officers in charge of all DTI provincial offices in Bicol as it coincided with the 2022 semestral operations review of the DTI Region 5 Business Development Division.

Rev. Fr. Renato Dela Rosa led the opening prayer and blessing of the hub. Also present were Mayor Leo Mendoza of LGU San Andres; Butch S. Castro of DTI Region 5 Business Development Division; Ireneo Panti Jr. of Amenia Beach Resort and Edna Bagadiong of Philippine Information Agency.

Amenia Beach Resort, as OTOP.Ph Hub partner will house various products such as processed food, wearables, homestyles, apparels, housewares, accessories, and many more all for local and visiting tourists. (PIA5/Catanduanes)