DAET, Camarines Norte --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave recognition to outstanding OTOP stakeholders during the 1st Camarines Norte “One Town One Product” (OTOP) Congress held here recently.

        DTI Camarines Norte Provincial Director Ernesto Pardo said that the awards gave recognition to partners who paved the way for the successful implementation of the OTOP program in the province.

        The OTOP is a priority program of the current administration to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, the local chief executives (LCEs) of every city or municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service which has a competitive advantage.

        The OTOP implementation in Camarines Norte started in 2005. To date, 10 municipalities in this province have implemented OTOP except Capalonga and San Vicente whose OTOP identification is still underway.

        The OTOP projects include piña fiber in Labo town; pineapple food and beverage in Basud; processed marine products in Mercedes; pineapple and pili-based products in Daet; processed dairy products in Talisay; flour-based products in Vinzons; dalanghita nectar in Sta. Elena; fine jewelry in Paracale and Jose Panganiban; and pineapple beverage in San Lorenzo Ruiz.

         Evelyn Salen-de Leon, president of the Camarines Norte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCC) and chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Council, who led in the evaluation and selection of winners, announced the awardees in the three different categories as follows:

         Most Supportive OTOP Local government Unit - LGU Basud, 2nd place - LGU Sta. Elena, and 3rd place - LGU Labo; Outstanding OTOP MSME - Labo Progressive MPC, 2nd place - Caayunan MPC, and 3rd place - Jannah’s Pasalubong; Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organization - Peace and Equity Foundation.

         Prior to the awarding ceremonies, the LGUs presented their accomplishments, issues and concerns in the implementation of OTOP in the respective municipalities.

         Another highlight of the congress was the signing of Commitment of Support by OTOP stakeholders. Signatories included DTI provincial director Ernesto Pardo and the municipal mayors.

         The Congress which was attended by 135 OTOP stakeholders, was graced by Dr. Napoleon Malaluan who gave a message on behalf of Governor Typooco, SP Committee chairman on Trade and Industry Pamela Pardo, and Board Member Romeo Marmol who also delivered a message on behalf of Cong. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato.

         Also present were chiefs and representatives of agency-members of the SMED Council such as DA, DENR, TESDA, DOST, DAR and DOLE.

         This activity was facilitated by DTI Provincial OTOP coordinator Christie Rivera in close coordination with the provincial government and the LGUs. AVFanoy, DTI/PIA