Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
There can be no true and realistic post-pandemic recovery if our local economy is still being weighed down by the prolonged effect of the three-year global health crisis. All efforts must be in line to push the economy first, especially in the countryside where towns are located and where a majority of economically-challenged Filipinos reside.
In a welcome move toward empowering local communities and revitalizing our local economy, Congress recently passed House Bill No. 1171, or the “One-Town One-Product (OTOP)” bill. By acknowledging the potential of unique local products and supporting their development, this legislation has the power to breathe new life into struggling towns, stimulate economic growth, and foster a sense of pride and identity. Its timely implementation comes at a critical time when local economies need an actual helping hand, not more wordplays.
With an overwhelming 268 votes, the House of Representatives has approved this OTOP bill on third and final reading, which will institutionalize this program spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and launched in 2014. The bill primarily aims to “stimulate the promotion and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside through the use of indigenous raw materials and the utilization of local skills and talents.”
“This bill aims to support our MSMEs by providing a package of assistance to develop new, innovative, and more complex products with significant improvement in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, and brand development, among others,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez in a statement.
“With this proposed legislation, we also hope to assist rural communities in achieving competitive and innovation-driven local economies, and promote the convergence of initiatives on product development among local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and the private sector.”
Under the bill, DTI, in partnership with LGUs, will provide a comprehensive package of assistance to OTOP Program beneficiaries on various areas of product development, training, market access, etc. The regional and provincial offices of DTI, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, will determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP program.
What’s commendable with the bill is that it will cover material products and skills-based services known to an area or locality. It is utilizing what a town can do best.
The bill also mandates DTI to establish the “OTOP Philippines Trustmark” that will symbolize the country’s best products, and signify that the services and products have been marked excellent in terms of quality, design, value, and marketability.
The passage of the OTOP bill is proof that if Congress works toward a singular purpose to help the economy and truly make a positive impact, it can do it. More than unlocking the economic potential of each town across our nation, it encourages the promotion of a single product that reflects the unique character and resources of a particular locality.
Since sustainability is important, the OTOP bill aligns perfectly with the principles of responsible and ethical production. By prioritizing locally sourced materials and environmentally friendly practices, this legislation promotes sustainable development at the grassroots level. By doing so, it mitigates the adverse impacts of mass production, reduces carbon footprints, and fosters a sense of responsibility toward our natural resources.
Ultimately, we want to see more vibrant, self-sustaining micro-economies, in towns where no Filipino will be left behind.
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Credit belongs to : www.mb.com.ph
