Bicol: The Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol (DTI-5) announced on Tuesday that its "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) hubs in the region have generated nearly PHP400 million in sales in 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event held at the DTI regional office in Barangay Rawis, DTI-5 Director Dindo Nabol reported that these sales were achieved through 13 OTOP hubs, which showcase the region's products and delicacies. Nabol highlighted that six of these hubs are located in Albay, contributing significantly to the overall sales figures.

In addition to the established hubs, Nabol mentioned that 22 OTOP nooks have been set up in various hotels and resorts. These nooks display a range of local products, including sweets made from pili nuts and abaca-based items such as bags, home decor, and accessories. The plan is to establish at least one new OTOP Nook each year, all registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to ensure brand protection and exclusive rights across the country.

Furthermore, the OTOP initiative has expanded internationally, with nooks established in key cities such as Jakarta in Indonesia, Tokyo in Japan, and The Hague in the Netherlands.

Nabol also addressed the challenges faced in maintaining the OTOP hubs, particularly the occasional shortage of supplies from manufacturers and logistical issues related to transporting products from different parts of the region. He assured that these challenges are being managed with the assistance of local courier and logistics companies, which are now engaged in facilitating the delivery of products to the OTOP hubs.

The DTI-Bicol remains committed to increasing consumer awareness, strengthening enforcement activities, and safeguarding consumer interests in the region.