DTI launches OTOP hub in Laoag City airport

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Angelo Barba leads the opening of the OTOP hub at the Laoag International Airport. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the One Town, One Product Philippines Hub (OTOP PH Hub) at the Laoag International Airport on January 17, 2019, giving more opportunities for micro and small enterprises in the region to showcase their products.

Held at the departure area of the airport, DTI-Region I Director Florante Leal said the opening of OTOP PH hub in Laoag provides local entrepreneurs “more access to market” and eventually increase their income.

“We thankful for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines because they have acceded to our request and gave us the venue for free,” said Mr. Leal citing locally-manufactured products now are not just seen in local markets but also in big shopping malls and also at the airport.

Initiated by DTI in 2002, OTOP Philippines is a priority stimulus program for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSME) as government's customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth.

The program enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote products or services that are rooted in its local culture, community resource, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage.

In her speech, DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-naga, who was invited as guest of honor during the program, encouraged MSMEs here to develop and keep their passion for business.

“The government is here to serve you. Hindi kayo pababayaan so don’t give up easily,” Ms. Du-naga said.

According to Agnes Asuncion, a dragon fruit soap maker and wine processor from Currimao, Ilocos Norte, said she is very excited to see her products displayed at the airconditioned departure area of the Laoag airport.

“I am so happy and thankful for DTI for mentoring us and helping us grow,” said Ms. Asuncion as her face lit up while witnessing the opening of OTOP PH hub in the city.

According to DTI acting provincial director Rosario Quodala, the prices of the products on display at the OTOP hub is lower as compared to those being sold in other commercial establishments as these came directly from the manufacturers.

“The DTI just initiated this project but eventually this will later be turned over to the association of MSMEs themselves,” she explained.

Its operation however will still be supervised by the DTI through a memorandum of agreement with the operator.

Comments

Free dormitories eyed for Nueva Era students in LC, Batac

Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here, headed by Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida is planning to establish dormitories in the cities of Laoag and Batac that will exclusively cater to college students from the said cities. “Sapay la kuma ta maituloyen iti mabiit tay ar-arapaapen tayo ken iti munisipyo a maipatakderan kuma dagiti annak tayo a college students nga agbasbasa idiay siyudad iti Batac ken Laoag iti libre a dormitoryo a bukod da ngem inggana nga awan pay ket an-anusan mi paylaeng nga ibaklay kenni apo bise mayor iti pagbayad da iti kasera aggapu iti bukod mi a suweldo malaksid dagitay it-ited iti munisipyo ken iti barangay nga stipend da kada semester, ” Garvida said. Garvida added that the proposed establishment of dormitories would be a big help to the students’ parents as this would shoulder the expenses of their children for rent and likewise they would feel more secured

Empanada festival: A celebration of good taste and good life

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporters BATAC CITY—If there is one thing Batac is truly proud of, it would be its famous empanada-making business that has nurtured its people over the years. Embracing a century-old culture and culinary tradition, Batac’s empanada claims to be the best and tastiest in the country with its distinctive Ilokano taste courtesy of its local ingredients: fresh grated papaya, mongo, chopped longganisa, and egg. The crispy orange wrapper and is made of rice flour that is deep-fried. The celebration of this city’s famous traditional fast food attracting locals and tourists elsewhere comes with the City Charter Day of Batac every 23 rd of June. Every year, the City Government of Batac led by Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta commemorate the city’s charter day celebration to further promote its famous One-Town, One Product, the Batac empanada. Empanada City The Batac empanada festival has already become an annua

P29 per kilo rice sold to vulnerable groups in Ilocos region

BBM RICE. Residents buy rice for only PHP29 per kilo at the NIA compound in San Nicolas town, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. The activity was under a nationwide pilot program of the government to sell quality and affordable rice initially to the vulnerable sectors. (Lei Adriano) San Nicolas , Ilocos Norte —Senior citizens, persons with disability, and solo parents availed of cheap rice sold at PHP29 per kilogram during the grand launching of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice held at the National Irrigation Administration compound in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. “ Maraming salamat Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa inyong pagmamahal sa Region 1 lalong-lalo na sa bayan namin sa San Nicolas,” said Violeta Pasion, a resident Brgy. 18 Bingao in this town. The low-priced grains were sourced from the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) contract farming with irrigators' association members in the province. Along with Pasion, Epi

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog