SAN JOSE, DINAGAT ISLANDS — The Capitol Grounds in San Jose became a showcase of island craftsmanship on October 14, 2026, as the Department of Trade and Industry–Dinagat Islands mounted the Tatak Dinagat Product Display during the Caraga Regional Conference of the Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sanggunian. The exhibit placed locally made goods in front of an audience of local government legislative staff from across the region, turning a governance gathering into an unexpected marketplace for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Why the Venue Matters
Positioning MSME products at a conference for Sanggunian secretaries is a deliberate choice. These are the officials who process ordinances, resolutions, and local legislation that shape the business environment in their respective localities. Bringing Dinagat's products directly to them does more than generate immediate sales; it builds familiarity with what the province produces and creates a network of potential advocates who understand the value of supporting homegrown enterprises. The display also introduces conference participants to the range of goods emerging from the island's seven municipalities.
The Products Behind the Tatak
The Tatak Dinagat label covers a diverse catalog. Food products include kakanin, cassava chips, and kamote candy, while the sea yields tuyong isda and other preserved catch. Promotional items such as refrigerator magnets and souvenirs round out the offerings. Handicrafts form another pillar, with woven rattan goods from enterprises like Binuhat Arts & Crafts finding steady markets beyond the province. Herbal products have also gained traction, with Novah Herbal Products Manufacturing earning recognition for wellness-oriented offerings. Each product carries a story rooted in the island's communities and resources.
The OTOP Engine Behind the Display
The product display is a direct output of the One Town One Product program, DTI's flagship initiative for empowering local producers. In Dinagat Islands, OTOP has supported the opening of a physical retail outlet under the OTOP Hub network, providing a permanent platform for local artisans and food producers alongside business development services. Trade fairs and exhibits like the one at the Capitol Grounds extend that reach further, giving small enterprises access to audiences they would not otherwise encounter. For producers operating on a small island province, these opportunities are often the difference between a product staying local and finding a wider market.
Building Visibility, One Exhibit at a Time
The Tatak Dinagat Product Display represents a small but concrete step in strengthening the province's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By consistently placing local products at regional events, DTI keeps Dinagat Islands visible within the broader Caraga economy. For the MSMEs behind the products, every exhibit is a chance to test the market, gather feedback, and build relationships that can carry their businesses forward.
