The Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol (DTI-5) on Tuesday said it generated almost PHP400 million in sales from its “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) hubs across the region in 2024.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event at the DTI regional office in Barangay Rawis, DTI-5 Director Dindo Nabol said the sales came from its 13 established and maintained OTOP hubs that showcase products and delicacies of the region.

“Since we launched this program, we have successfully established 13 OTOP hubs in various areas of the region, with six of them located in Albay. In 2024, our 13 OTOP hubs collectively generated total sales of PHP394 million,” he said in Filipino.

Nabol added that aside from the 13 OTOP hubs, 22 OTOP nooks have been set up in different hotels and resorts that display sweets made of pili nuts and abaca products, such as bags, home decor, and accessories within the region.

“We plan to establish a minimum of one OTOP Nook per year, all of which are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for protection. This grants us exclusive rights to use the OTOP brand throughout the Philippines, although some regions can also utilize it with our permission,” he said.

He also said that OTOP nooks have also been set up in Jakarta in Indonesia, Tokyo in Japan, and The Hague in the Netherlands.

In an interview, Nabol acknowledged the challenges in maintaining OTOP hubs, particularly concerning the availability of supplies, as manufacturers sometimes run out of products.

“This poses quite a challenge for us. Also, logistics is a concern because the OTOP hubs here are supplied not just by Albay manufacturers but also across the entire region. Transportation of products from their source to the OTOP hubs is also an issue,” Nabol said.

He assured the public, however, that this concern is being addressed with the help of local courier and logistics companies, which are now providing delivery services for OTOP hubs.

The DTI-Bicol said it is focused on increasing consumer awareness, enhancing enforcement activities, and protecting consumers’ interests. (PNA)