The promotion of economic development in the countryside through entrepreneurship and job creation is the aim of the government's One Town One Product (OTOP) program. This has been going on for several years now where products or services associated with a given locality are promoted, allowing optimal utilization of local resources and labor in the process. These products include food, furniture and furnishing, fashion accessories, gifts, houseware and decors, etc.
The best of Marinduque products were showcased in this year's OTOP National Expo 2011. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with Megamall, Manila Bulletin and other major sponsors, the expo ran from Sept. 21-25 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.Local entrepreneurs, Julie Anne's Handicrafts from Bonliw, Sheena's Butterfly By-Products from Bintakay, Tex & Images from Santol, Iba 'to Olresaykel from Balanacan, Rejano's Bakery of Sta. Cruz, and Tanikala ng Pagkakaisa Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Tugos were there showcasing their best products.
The said products were quite a hit in the Expo. With that interest generated, interviews with PD Fabalena and some local entrepreneurs were featured in Studio 23's Saturday show, 'Thumbs Up' conducted by business expert Carl Balita, as well as for DZMM Teleradyo.
DTI Marinduque under PD Carlito Fabalena reported numerous book orders on top of gross sales amounting to nearly Php 200,000 for the 5-day affair.
The DTI staff thus returned to the island confident that the said Expo succeeded in highlighting public awareness of Marinduque and its products.
Viva OTOP! Viva DTI! Viva Produktong Marinduque!
