BASCO, Batanes (PIA) - - The Department of Trade and Industry-Batanes (DTI-Batanes) is set to set up a One Town One Product (OTOP) Hub in Itbud, Uyugan.
This was presented during an Itbud Barangay Council Meeting, where the agency solicited the council's support as a partner and a major stakeholder in the implementation of the said project.
According to DTI Batanes Information Officer Shane Karenza Alexia Horlina the proposed OTOP Hub is a component of DTI’s OTOP program that provides a physical and online channel and market access platform where local products, especially those that undergone product development, are showcased and sold.
For the province of Batanes, the concept will be meshed with the province’s tourism goals and will be included in the tour operators’ itinerary.
During the meeting, DTI-Batanes OIC Provincial Director Ellerie Mila G. Ramel reiterated that the proposed project, which aims to provide an income-generating avenue for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to prepare them for the gradual increase of tourists in the province, will potentially boost tourism activities and create more jobs for the people in Barangay Itbud, Uyugan.
Senior Tourism Operations Officer of the Provincial Tourism Office Hegel R. Valones explained the ideal process for developing tour packages and ensured the Barangay Council that they will take into consideration the community’s sentiments such as establishing proper guidelines, control of foot traffic, waste management, and more.
The Barangay Captain of Itbud Lucia V. Anay assured that the Barangay Council will extend its support and will work hand in hand to provide a livelihood for the Itbud community. (OTB/CEB/PIA Batanes/ Photos from DTI Batanes)
