OTOP boosts tourism revenues–DTI 6
The Department of Trade and Industry 6 said the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program has increased tourism revenue in the countryside.
DTI 6 Information Officer Ruby Melliza said towns with OTOP have significantly increased their annual revenue since the program started last 2005.
She said that towns with fully developed OTOP are earning more through product exports, while the countryside economy has provided livelihood to local talents.
Melliza said town products have found their way to national markets through the OTOP. She cited the loom weaving industry in Brgy. Aparicio in Ibajay and Numancia towns in Aklan.
Fiber and piña clothes from these areas are now sought after for its quality, after it was chosen as the OTOP of Western Visayas. Some bulk buyers also pre-order large quantities of piña cloth for their annual fashion show.
The floriculture industry, one of the OTOPs of Capiz, also experienced a boost in income as tourists and floriculture enthusiasts are also visiting the various flower gardens in Capiz.
Some floriculturists have received orders and reservations of flowers for weddings. The floral industry has also enjoyed increasing number of local workers in the past months for November and December holidays.
Some flower buyers in the region have started buying flowers in Capiz, instead of ordering from Baguio and Davao.
Melliza said OTOP allows the growth of small and medium enterprises using indigenous materials.
Still, the DTI 6 said some towns have yet to realize the importance of OTOP. Most of the 117 towns in the region have yet to identify their OTOP.*PNA
