Wazzup Pilipinas!
Modern, cool, and uniquely Filipino - these are the qualities looked for in products that will be recommended for placement/sale in Go Lokal! stores, retail concept stores showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed, and produced by the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The stores, to be located in malls, are intended to be a free marketing platform for MSMEs to gain access to the lucrative local consumer market, and ultimately, to the global export market.
Twenty (20) out of 111 Caraga products initially screened were deemed ready for such endorsement to Go Lokal!. The process, called Screening, Assessment & Triage (SAT), was conducted in June by experts from the Design Center of the Philippines and local designers engaged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga.
DTI-Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga who oversaw the screening said the rest of the products from the region’s 71 participating MSMEs will be lined up for further assistance in product design and development under the One Town One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) program.
Leon Flores III, project consultant of OTOP Next Gen, said during the press conference held on the last day of the screening sessions that the interventions will be customized and will not be the "cookie cutter" type. He stressed the importance of identifying what the exact needs are so that the development services for the MSMEs “are meaningful and the products become more marketable in terms of design and appeal and customer experience, among others.”
For her part, ASec Du-Naga, OTOP Next Gen National Project head, lauded DTI Caraga for being the only regional office that is successful in facilitating the full and sustained operation of not just one but two (2) OTOP Tindahang Pinoy/Pasalubong Stores. She said this is very good for the local producers because they have a ready marketing outlet for their produce.
DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran said other MSMEs who need help only need to approach the nearest DTI office or any of the Negosyo Centers in the region.
Go Lokal! stores, a partnership between the DTI and the private sector, will soon open in selected SM Malls and Robinsons Malls nationwide.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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