LEON, Iloilo — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Leon officially inaugurated the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub on August 14, 2026. The new facility at the Leon Pasalubong Center provides a permanent venue for promoting the town's unique products and culture.
A Dedicated Platform for Local Producers
The ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DTI Iloilo OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Dorita D. Chavez and Mayor Ma. Lina C. Holipas formalized the partnership. The event drew key officials, including Representative Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta and former Representative Michael Gorriceta. Their presence underscored the political and institutional support behind the initiative.
The OTOP Hub gives micro, small, and medium enterprises a dedicated space to reach more consumers. Artisans and entrepreneurs can now showcase their craftsmanship in a high-traffic location. This direct access to buyers reduces reliance on seasonal trade fairs and pop-up markets.
Showcasing Leon's Agricultural and Cultural Wealth
Leon is widely recognized as the "Vegetable Basket of Iloilo," supplying high-value crops to the province. The town is also home to Bucari, often called the "Little Baguio of Iloilo," a popular eco-tourism destination. The hub will display processed foods, highland produce, and handcrafted souvenirs that reflect this rich identity.
Visitors to Leon, including eco-tourists heading to Bucari, now have a central stop for authentic local goods. The hub turns the town's agricultural strengths into marketable products. It bridges the gap between rural producers and urban consumers.
A Nationwide Program for Grassroots Growth
The OTOP initiative is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11960, the OTOP Philippines Act. It empowers MSMEs to develop competitive products rooted in community identity and local resources. The program provides assistance in packaging, labeling, and quality compliance.
DTI's involvement ensures that enrolled businesses meet industry standards. This professional guidance helps local products compete in mainstream retail spaces. The goal is to transform local enterprises into sustainable income generators.
Strengthening Community Economies
For the LGU of Leon, the hub is more than a retail space; it is an economic catalyst. It supports job creation and keeps local earnings within the community. The partnership with DTI also brings training and capacity-building opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The launch represents a shared commitment to inclusive growth. By investing in local MSMEs, Leon is building a more resilient local economy. The OTOP Hub stands as a symbol of what public-private collaboration can achieve for grassroots development.
