Sen. Mark Villar on Monday, March 13, 2023 answers clarificatory questions from Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III during the interpellation on Senate Bill No. 1594 or the “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) Philippines Act. (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — The fate of the ‘One Town, One Product’ (OTOP) bill now lies in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s hands after the Senate and the House of Representatives separately ratified on Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report institutionalizing the program.
Sen. Mark Villar, head of the chamber’s panel on trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship, said the minimal conflicting provisions of Senate Bill No. 1594 and House Bill No. 1171 had been reconciled by contingents from both chambers of Congress.
“The reason behind the OTOP program is to support and empower local industries, particularly in rural areas, and create jobs and income opportunities for the people. By developing and promoting local products, the OTOP program encourages entrepreneurship and helps boost economic growth in the country,” Villar said.
If passed into law, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) must draw up a six-year, national OTOP strategic development plan within a year. It will be done in consultation with concerned stakeholders and updated every year.
The president will be tasked with defining and approving the OTOP program’s annual and medium-term agenda, as well as developing and implementing initiatives and strategies to achieve the objectives.
Among the new features of the bill, according to Villar, is the listing of OTOP product qualifications — culture, community resources, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage.
Additional components of the OTOP program include providing market access and product promotion and promoting products through different platforms.
Villar said the bill would also set a minimal set of rules and would simplify procedures and requirements for government agencies dealing with OTOP beneficiaries.
The version approved by both chambers also seeks the creation and formalization of a national OTOP program management office. It will be led by a director and have an organizational structure decided upon by the DTI, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management.