(Photo courtesy of Marikina PIO)
MANILA – A total of 18 merchants in Marikina City are participating in the one-town-one-product (OTOP) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the city government aimed at promoting quality local products and help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The OTOP is a priority stimulus program of the DTI for MSMEs in different regions of the country.
As the demand side of the DTI's initiative, the OTOP Philippines Hub or OTOP.PH provides physical and online channels as well as a market access platform where OTOP products, particularly those that have been aided through product development, are presented on a daily basis. This section tackles the market aspect of entrepreneurship.
The merchants are Abby Shoes/Roadtrips Sandals; Apollo Shoe Gallery; C. Point Shoes; Ely Knows Enterprises; L. Evaristo Shoe Shop; Princess Ilona; Nico Angelo Leather Classic; Zachy Shoes; Fontelle Shoes; Tropical Palm Herb Mfg.; Clavel Handicrafts; Suba’s Diner; Authentic Wood Products; Vinhessa Food Processing and Mktg.; V&M Handbags; Vestrada; FAVP Handvags/Nichollethes; and Azulis Bag Collection.
Marikina (1st District) Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro graced the opening of the one-stop shop on Thursday.
In her speech, the lady lawmaker said the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center also aims to help MSMEs in the city to grow and flourish that’s why it was provided for free to them.
“For Marikina OTOP Hub, this is for free walang sinisingil na kahit ano ang city government dahil, ang palagi ngang sinasabi ni Mayor (Marcy Teodoro), ito ay tulong na namin sa ating mga maliliit at medium na negosyante (the city government is not charging anything because, as the Mayor (Marcy Teodoro) always says, this is our help to our small and medium entrepreneurs),” Teodoro said adding the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center is located at the Marikina Sports Center, along McDonald’s Avenue. Showcased at the one-stop shop are quality and durable leather goods, handicrafts, bags and local food products, among others.
Teodoro said that they want to bring back people’s patronage for Marikina-made shoes and bags.
“Kahit man lang dito, ma-showcase natin ang inyong mga goods at maibenta natin sa affordable na prices ay masaya na kami. Ang mga taga Marikina, hindi lang may disiplina, pero higit sa lahat skilled, talented, matiyaga sa kanilang pagmamahal sa isang produkto (At least here, if we can showcase your goods and sell them at affordable prices, we will be happy. The people of Marikina, are not only disciplined, but above all skilled, talented, patient in their love for a product),” she stressed.
Teodoro said she has already coordinated with the City Tourism Office to make the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong shop to be the last stop for all tourists visiting Marikina City.
She expressed intentions of expanding the OTOP Hub and Pasalubong Center.
The congresswoman also lauded the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office headed by their hard-working chief, Lourdes Dela Paz, for ensuring MSMEs in Marikina will participate in the said program.
Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, has been advocating to boost the city’s shoe industry by showcasing affordable and durable shoes and leather goods made by the Shoe Capital’s skilled craftsmen.
Meanwhile, DTI-National Capital Region director Marcelina Alcantara said the OTOP Hub is a big help to MSMEs by providing marketing and product development.
“Ibig sabihin, lahat ng 18 na nanditong MSME’s ay dumaan sa tinatawag naming product development. Para sigurado tayo na maganda yung kalidad ng ating mga sapatos (That means, all 18 MSME's that are here have gone through what we call product development. To make sure that our shoes are of good quality),” she said. (PNA)
