Legarda refiles bill seeking to institutionalize ‘One Town, One Product’ program

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill (SB) 247, or the ‘’One Town, One Product Phlippines (OTOP) Program Act of 2022″.

She filed a similar measure during her recent term as Antique congresswoman in the House of Representatives.

Legarda explained that the OTOP promotes local products from a sector and a locality.

A press statement issued by Legarda’s office stated that the four-term senator is known for her deep appreciation and respect for locally-produced products.

‘’She sees the immense value of these, the creativity of the different localities producing them, and the special role of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),’’ it added.

Legarda said the MSMEs should be supported financially and in terms of capacity-building because they are the lifeblood of our economy, especially during this health crisis.

She pointed out that the program should capacitate the MSMEs on product development, initiatives, and training, among others, to upgrade our MSMEs.

‘’It also seeks to create the OTOP Management Committee within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the OTOP Program Office in each local government unit to help achieve the objectives of the law,” she explained.

The OTOP Program shall assist in product development, packaging and labeling, technology updating, capacity building, standards and market compliance, and market access and product promotion.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall serve as the lead agency for the measures implementation.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Legarda refiles bill seeking to institutionalize ‘One Town, One Product’ program