DTI Bulacan launced OTOP-Philippines in the province last March 2, 2005 at the DJ Paradise Resort, City of Malolos.

ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT-(OTOP) Philippines is a priority program of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. OTOP is a concept adapted from Japan's successful One Village One Product (OVOP) project, which was started in 1979 by Gov. Morihiro Hiramatsu of Oita Prefecture as a form of people's participation in the regional development of their country. Its success prompted other countries to adopt the concept as an effective tool for poverty alleviation in the rural areas. Thailand, Vietnam, Malawi, Cambodia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia had their own versions of OTOP.

OTOP-Philippines supports MSMEs to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. OTOP-Philippines offers a comprehensive assistance package through a convergence of services from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and the private sector. This includes:

• Business counseling
• Skills and Entrepreneurial Training
• Product Design and Development
• Appropriate Technologies, and
• Marketing

The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010 outlines the dual strategies of product development through OTOP, and credit provision through SULONG (SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth) to support 3 million entrepreneurs and generate 6 to 10 million jobs.

Who may avail of the assistance? The program targets MSMEs with an asset size of not more than P100million, which account for about 99% of business establishments.

The priority products for the cities and municipalities in Bulacan have been identified with the respective mayors. In choosing a product for OTOP, the DTI considers the consistency with the municipal/city development plans & priorities consultation with stakeholders. Factors to be considered include the supply of resources and skills, infrastructure facilities and services in support of production and marketing of products, establishment of market or demand for the product and the demand-supply gap.

Present during the launching were DTI Regional Director Bles Lantayona, together with her Assistant Directors and Officers, Bustos Mayor Carlito Reyes, Calumpit Mayor James de Jesus, DRT Mayor Evelyn Paulino, Obando Mayor Zoilito Santiago, Malolos Vice Mayor Noel Sacay and the Municipal Planning and Development Officers of the municipalities. After concurring with the priority product, the DTI will come-up with a final OTOP roadmap for the province. The municipalities will proceed in crafting a 3-year OTOP workplan.

Come October, a regional OTOP convention is set to be held coinciding with the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair. This convention will highlight the provincial milestones on OTOP and will be held at the SM Megamall.