‘Yamang Mindanao OTOP Island Fair’ set in GenSan
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By Nelly Nita N. Dillera
Entrepreneurs from all over Mindanao enrolled in the One Town One Product (OTOP) program and fair trade producers prepare for the Yamang Mindanao OTOP Island Fair slated on June 29 – July 2, 2007 at KCC Mall in General Santos City.
“It is the 2nd time that Region 12 hosts this event,” Director of the Department of Trade & Industry 12 Ibrahim K. Guiamadel said.
P39.6 Million Sales
“In last year’s Yamang Mindanao OTOP Fair, the 129 craft and food producers raked as much as P39.6 million sales from the thousands of walk-in and more than 30 institutional buyers from Europe, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Northern Australia, Manila, Cebu and Davao,” Guiamadel reports.
“We were also able to showcase the indigenous fabrics and the best destinations of Mindanao and Region 12, respectively,” Guiamadel added as he looked back to the Yamang Mindanao Fashion Show and Region 12 Tour that were offered to guests last year.
Number of OTOP Growing
The OTOP Island Fair this year is even bigger. As of press time, all the 100 targeted booths are already reserved by OTOP and fair trade producers. The organizers are ready to respond to more OTOP producers wanting to be part of this biggest OTOP fair in Mindanao.
The growth is expected as the number of towns adopting OTOP as a business development strategy continues to increase.
These products metamorphosed from mere raw materials to well-crafted decorative/functional items and value-added food products from the resource-rich island of Mindanao.
The products are ready for the market as these underwent the necessary product development to become competitive.
In this year’s OTOP Island Fair, awards shall be given to Best Dressed Booth, Best Product and Top Seller for food and crafts sector.
Fair Trade Business Matching
The Advocates for Philippine Fair Trade, Inc. (APFTI) arranged a one-on-one negotiation between OTOP producers and confirmed fair trade buyers from Europe, USA and key cities of the country.
Of note among the buyers are their fair trade practices that guarantees fair return of labor, respecting the dignity of the workers and producers and nurturing the earth that is the source of all life.
The Center for International Trade & Exposition Missions (CITEM) also invited institutional buyers whose demands can be matched with and supplied by OTOP producers.
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