OTOP fair in Boracay will make island’s potentials shine brighter – Remonde

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan – “Through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippine Trade Fair, Boracay Island’s potentials for growth will shine even more brightly and nearby provinces’ treasures will all be discovered.”

Secretary Cerge Remonde, Chief of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) has this to say as keynote speaker in the 2nd Visayas OTOP Fair, on-going since May 23 up to May 27 hosted by the province of Aklan with venue at the La Carmela Resort in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

The OTOP fair focuses on selling the products produced by participating regions.

Remonde, who is also the Oversight Official for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) also said he sees too the potentials for MSMEs development, and although some have already established their place in the island, there is still room for micro enterprises to prosper.

A total of 107 micro and small and medium enterprises in the Visayas are participating in the 5-day OTOP Trade Fair.

OTOP is one of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that promotes entrepreneurship and creates jobs in the countryside. It encourages MSMEs to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and manpower of every municipality or city.

According to DTI Aklan officials, participating regions in the 2nd Visayas OTOP Fair are Region 6 with 40 SMEs; Region 7, 36; and Region 8, 25 SMEs.

Nine (9) Aklan SMEs are participating in the OTOP Fair, mostly from the Piña loom-weaving sector.

In his keynote speech, Remonde also revealed that as of February this year, government agencies involved in MSME development have already released P159.8 billion in loans to more than 2.6 million active micro finance clients and SAME accounts, generating more than 1.5 million jobs.

“And I am also telling you here and now that with the President’s full support, we will move heaven and earth and climb the highest mountain to generate more jobs, create more entrepreneurs and ultimately bring to fruition our common dream of a progressive and prosperous Philippines for the generations to come, Remonde stressed.

Job creation, the immediate benefit of the MSME program, is a priority under the social payback program of PGMA, according to Remonde.

Here in Aklan, SMEs are noted to have realized sales income of P172.9 million in 2006.

SMEs also continuously provide jobs to thousands of Aklanons engaged in the loom-weaving, food processing, furniture and gifts and house wares sectors.

Last year’s 1st Visayan OTOP Fair was held in Cebu City. That time, Aklan was the 2nd top seller in the fair held at SM-Cebu Trade Hall. (PIA)