BALER, Aurora (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened its second One Town, One Product (OTOP) hub in the province of Aurora.

Located at barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Dingalan, the hub displays coconut-based processed foods and handicrafts, dragon fruit wine, handwoven sabutan items, cacao, coffee, and banana chips.

DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut said the opening of the store, the 130th nationwide, is a milestone in the agency's objective of inclusive growth through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their indigenous products.

"This marks another exciting endeavor in our quest to attain inclusive growth and expand the development of our MSMEs. Local buyers and tourists will have another great access point and a go-to destination for unique, innovative, and locally-made products,” she added.

For his part,  DTI Provincial Director Aldrin Veneracion challenged not only the municipal government as OTOP Hub Cooperator but also the MSMEs to sustain the project by maintaining the production, marketing efforts, and innovation of their products.

Mayor Shierwin Taay, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to the agency for the initiative to boost the town’s economic development.

“This is a blessing and another fulfillment of the journey of Dingalan when it comes to livelihood, tourism, and economic development,” he pressed.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law last year Republic Act No. 11960 otherwise known as the OTOP Philippines Act.

The law aims to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos through policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost national economic growth. It also seeks to provide adequate and effective support services for MSMEs.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations allows the creation of hubs in areas of high tourism and commerce. (CLJD/MAT-PIA 3)