24/11/2023
LOOK | OTOP Philippines Hub Naval officially launched on Naval Charter Day
Naval, Biliran – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Biliran, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval, officially launched the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub in Naval, Biliran on September 23, 2023. The event coincided with the municipality’s 163rd Charter Day Celebration.
The launch was attended by key officials, including Biliran Governor Gerard Roger Espina, Vice-Governor Brigido Caneja III, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Allan Paul Tubis, historian Prof. Rolando Borrinaga, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, DTI Biliran Provincial Director Zardos V. Abela, and representatives from the business sector and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed between DTI and the LGU of Naval, signifying their commitment to the hub's development. DTI Biliran Provincial Director Faustino V. Gayas Jr. and Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie Espina represented their respective agencies in the signing ceremony.
Prior to the MOA signing, DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina T. Bato expressed her support for the sustainable operation of the OTOP Hub. Mayor Espina, in her message, reaffirmed LGU Naval's commitment as the official OTOP Hub cooperator through the Municipal Tourism Office.
Following the signing, the Naval OTOP Philippines Hub, located near the Naval People’s Park and Terminal Area, was officially opened. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Mayor Espina, Director Bato, Director Gayas, and Sangguniang Bayan Member Mayet Ebio, with the presence of Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Christopher Ang, members of the Naval Suman Makers Association (NASUMA), Vice-Mayor Vicente Curso Jr., and other public officials.
“The LGU of Naval is now a committed partner in implementing Republic Act No. 11960, or the OTOP Philippines Act, which institutionalizes government programs that support MSMEs. This initiative will help boost local industries by developing indigenous raw materials, promoting local artisans, and preserving traditional crafts across Biliran,” said DTI Biliran Provincial Director Gayas in his welcome remarks.
DTI-8 Regional Director Bato highlighted the significance of the launch, noting, “The Naval OTOP Philippines Hub is the first OTOP Hub launched in Eastern Visayas this year and the eighth in the region.”
Mayor Espina emphasized the hub’s role in strengthening the local economy and tourism industry. “This OTOP Philippines Hub will not only showcase the local products of Naval but will also feature unique food delicacies and handicrafts from other municipalities in Biliran. This is a major boost for the province’s growing tourism sector,” she stated.
The OTOP Philippines Hub serves as a platform to promote locally made products, provide market access for MSMEs, and contribute to the economic growth of the province.
