Bacolod city: The 11 'One Town, One Product' (OTOP) retail stores across Negros Occidental have generated PHP663.03 million in sales from January to June this year, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday showed. This was highlighted as part of the agency's midyear assessment that reviewed the program accomplishments, shared good practices, discussed challenges, and aligned priorities and proposed activities for the rest of the year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the total sales in the first half of 2026 came from export sales, monitored sales, trade fair participation, OTOP hub sales, and monitored sales on e-commerce platforms. The products covered include processed foods, agricultural-based products, home and fashion items, creative artisanal products, and arts and crafts.
DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal emphasized the ongoing robust partnership between the DTI and the local government units (LGUs) in implementing the OTOP Program. "OTOP coordinators and LGU partners play an important role in sustaining the program and creating opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow, improve their products, and become more competitive," Cardinal stated.
The 11 OTOP retail stores, which include nine LGU-based and two privately-run outlets, are supporting 616 MSMEs. The LGU-operated stores are located in Hinigaran, Kabankalan City, Sipalay City, and Cadiz City, all launched in 2025. This year, additional stores opened in Sagay City, Calatrava, Bacolod City, Bago City, and Isabela.
In May 2021, the province's first OTOP was inaugurated by the Association of Negros Producers at its showroom on South Capitol Road in Bacolod City. Operating since October 2021, the OTOP Lifestyle displays products from 168 MSMEs inside the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
DTI-Negros Occidental trade industry development specialist Gabriel Advincula, the OTOP focal person, announced that five additional LGU-managed retail stores and three others under the private sector are set to be launched within the year. He added that in November, they will host the 1st OTOP Siklaban 2026, featuring awards, recognition, and competitions among the retail stores.
The OTOP stores "serve not only as selling platforms but also as centers for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, helping local producers, artisans, farmers, and processors bring their products closer to consumers." Under the OTOP Program, MSMEs receive support through product development, branding, marketing assistance, and market access.
