“The MSMEs should be supported financially and in terms of capacity-building. They are the lifeblood of our economy, especially during this health crisis,” Legarda said.

For Antique, DTI has been supporting a number of banner products such as muscovado sugar, bamboo products, Patadyong (locally woven cloth) wearables and home accessories, and food products among other products potential for OTOP.

DTI also suggested that LGUs must identify their major products and intensify support for their development and promotion.

To support the MSMEs in the industry, Legarda refiles Senate Bill 247 or the OTOP Philippines Act of 2022. She filed a similar measure during her term in the House of Representatives.

“This bill seeks to institutionalize the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Program, which promotes local products from a sector and a locality," she said.

She added that the program shall capacitate the MSMEs on product development, initiatives, and training, among others, to upgrade the MSMEs.

It also seeks to create the OTOP Management Committee within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the OTOP Program Office in each local government unit to help achieve the objectives of the law,” Legarda explained.

According to her, the OTOP Program shall assist in product development, packaging and labeling, technology updating, capa-