CNorte ordinances seen to boost MSMEs growth

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Small entrepreneurs in Camarines Norte can look forward to training programs aimed at enhancing their fledgling businesses through a partnership between local governments and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

According to Christie Rivera, the DTI provincial director for Camarines Norte, the “One Town, One Product” (Otop) program is an initiative designed not only to assist micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs in improving their business practices but also to stimulate economic activity in the province.

Rivera said that the municipal governments of Daet, Basud, Paracale, Santa Elena, Vinzons, and Mercedes have allocated funds for the training program through appropriation ordinances that have also formalized the program.

The budget allocation will be used to identify and select beneficiaries, preferably those involved in the Otop program.

This funding will also support product development, including packaging and labeling, refurbishment of shared service facilities, ensuring market regulatory compliance, and participation in trade fairs.

As part of the Karagatan Festival Celebration in Mercedes town, a Karagatan Delights Challenge will take place, which is included in the list of funded activities.

As of March this year, the Otop products recognized by the local ordinances of various towns include: pineapple food and beverages from Basud; pineapple by-products from Daet; fine jewelry from Paracale; coconut food and non-food items from Santa Elena; native delicacies and pastries from Vinzons; and processed marine products from Mercedes.

Other towns with established Otop products are: mud crab from Capalonga; fine jewelry from Jose Panganiban; pineapple fiber from Labo; cacao-based products and by-products from San Vicente; pineapple by-products from San Lorenzo Ruiz; and rice by-products from Talisay.

 Ordinances for the institutionalization of Otop in these towns are currently in progress.

Otop hubs can be found at Nicole’s Food Products along the road in Talisay town and at a stall behind the Municipal Building in Vinzons town.

Most resellers of these products operate at the market in Daet town.

Additionally, products are available online at the website commercenorte.com.  (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)