MANILA, Philippines – The Aquino administration has officially adopted the One Town, One Program (Otop), which was initiated by the previous administration of former President now Pampanga second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to spur the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside.
The original Otop program was launched in late 2004 and supposed to have ended in 2010.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) originally dropped Otop on its funding list for this year despite clamor from local government executives and congressmen to extend the program.
“The implementation of Otop has been extended by the present administration, since the said program proves to be an effective strategy in stimulating economic development in Philippine countryside,” Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.
Earlier, Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz told the BusinessMirror that if the program is extended, its funding will be drawn from the savings of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) among its other projects.
The DTI Regional Operations Group which she heads could also channel some of its funds to Otop.
In her report, Cruz cited Otop as a catalyst in the creation of 33,964 MSMEs in 1,518 municipalities and cities.
It generated 668,000 jobs and P7.431 billion in investments. It also generated P12.377 billion domestic sales and $522 million in export sales.
As the primary government agency mandated to promote the growth of enterprises, the DTI rolled out Otop Philippines to promote unique and competitive products or services of Philippine towns and cities.
DTI also initiated the formulation of the National Otop Strategic Plan (2006 to 2010) after it obtained the approval for the required budget and the designation as the lead agency to implement Otop.
It has advocated the program’s ideals and has provided the necessary support for LGUs in its implementation.
Other key government agencies, such as the Department of Tourism, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Agriculture, have worked hand in hand with other government offices and the private sector to sustain the program. –Max V. De Leon, Business Mirror
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
