The Bacolod City government, through Mayor Greg Gasataya, entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental to launch the OTOP Retail Store Bacolod under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program.
The initiative aims to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving their products, branding, and access to wider markets, the city said April 29. With this, Bacolod becomes the 7th local government unit in Negros Occidental to join the program.
The store is located in front of the Bacolod public plaza.
The partnership comes at an important time as the city continues to support MSMEs amid rising fuel costs and economic challenges.
DTI Negros Occidental director Lynna Joy Cardinal described the launch as both a continuation and enhancement of ongoing efforts to support local industries.
“This showroom has been in place since 2011, but its transformation into an OTOP Hub reflects our stronger commitment to improving the quality and competitiveness of local products,” Cardinal said.
She added that the program has expanded, from focusing on one product per locality, to including food, non-food, and creative industries, especially with the implementation of the OTOP Philippines Act of 2023.
The MOA signing ceremony included the unveiling of the OTOP signage, marking Bacolod’s official entry into the national OTOP network, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the retail store.
Executive assistant April Rose Mayo highlighted the importance of the facility for local producers. “This gives our producers a dedicated space to showcase their products, which reflects the culture and identity of Bacolod.”
The OTOP Retail Store Bacolod operates in the same facility as the Bacolod Showroom, managed by the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO). Established in 2011, the showroom features products from over 80 MSMEs, and serves as a central hub for local entrepreneurs.
CCLDO head Brenda Burdeos, meanwhile, took note of the progress of local producers. “Before, we relied on trade fairs and temporary spaces. Now, our producers have a stable platform to grow.”
Entrepreneur Mark Vincent Cabuag, owner of Arteko Digital Printing Services, shared how the showroom helped expand his business. “Being part of the showroom exposed my products to a wider market. It motivates me to keep improving and shows that young entrepreneurs can succeed.”
The strengthened collaboration, through the OTOP program, is expected to expand market opportunities, empower local entrepreneurs, and promote Bacolod-made products in support of inclusive economic growth. ||
