The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said that the One Town One Product (OTOP) program has definitely boosted tourism revenue in the countryside.
DTI information officer Ruby Melliza said that towns with OTOP have significantly increased their annual revenue since the program started last 2005.
She said that that towns with fully developed OTOP are earning more through product exports, while the countryside economy has provided livelihood to local talents.
Melliza said that town products have found its way to national markets through the OTOP. She cited the loom weaving industry in Brgy. Aparicio in the town of Ibajay and in the municipality of Numancia, Aklan.
She stressed that the fiber and piña clothes from these areas are now being sought after for its quality, after it was chosen as the OTOP of the region. Likewise, some bulk buyers have pre-ordered large quantities of piña cloth for their annual fashion show.
Melliza also cited the Floriculture industry as one of the OTOPs of the province of Capiz that has experienced a boost on income. She said that since it was identified as OTOP, some tourist and floriculture enthusiasts have started visiting the various flower gardens in Capiz.
Some floriculturist have received orders and reservations of flowers for weddings. The flower industry has also enjoyed increasing number of local workers in the past months especially that the November and December holidays near.
The DTI said that some flower buyers in the region have started buying flowers in Capiz, instead of ordering them in Baguio and Davao.
Melliza also said that OTOP allows the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) using indigenous materials.
Still, the DTI said that some towns have yet to realize the importance of OTOP. Most of the 117 towns in the region have yet to properly identify their OTOP, said Melliza. (PNA)
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Topic: One Town One Product (OTOP) Program in Iloilo (Read 2135 times)