The Philippines is taking off from Japan’s successful “one village, one country” campaign with its own initiative to develop homegrown products and services that could match foreign products in the market.

Known as “one town, one product,” (OTOP) the campaign likewise seeks to pave the way for the promotion of products that symbolize local culture and tradition in areas where native industries are thriving.

The campaign drew support from the organization of Ilocos Norte mayors during a presentation before the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) regular meeting on April 20.

Benjamin Garcia, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial chief, encouraged mayors present to draw their own product line and services that could be adopted under the campaign.

“The OTOP campaign not only promotes entrepreneurship. It also creates jobs,” Garcia said.

In his presentation, Garcia said the OTOP project provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs ranging from business counseling, skills and entrepreneurial training, product design and development.

The project eyes entrepreneurs with a capital of not more than P100 million. Based on records, 99 percent of business enterprises fall under the category.

Thus far, the DTI has started exploratory talks with several towns known for their homegrown industries namely: Paoay town’s chichacorn, San Nicolas pottery, Bacarra and Laoag’s native vinegar, Pagudpud’s shellcraft, Currimao’s native cakes and Sarrat’s abel (hand woven cloth).

Under the OTOP, products and services must be developed according to the availability of raw materials, the culture and tradition that helped cultivate the products, talent and skills and the ready market for them among others. The project was launched under Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo’s term to encourage local government units in taking the lead role in creating job opportunities in the communities.

PIA Ilocos News Service