TARLAC CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially launched the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Kiosk and Learning Center and reopened the “Komunidad: Home of Tarlac Products” at the Tarlac Capitol Center.
Organized in collaboration with the provincial government of Tarlac and the Tarlac Henyo Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative (THEM Coop), the event aims to empower local businesses by increasing the visibility of Tarlac-made products.
Additionally, it seeks to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the knowledge and tools necessary for growth and to introduce technologies that support business innovation and sustainability.
DTI Tarlac OIC Provincial Director Florencia Balilo emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“The Komunidad and OTOP Kiosk and Learning Center are not just physical space—they are symbols of our shared commitment to homegrown entrepreneurship. We envision it as a vibrant hub where our local producers can showcase their creativity, connect with markets, and access learning opportunities,” she remarked.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a walkthrough of the improved Komunidad store and the newly launched OTOP Kiosk and Learning Center.
Among the attendees were DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon, DTI Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Tarlac Provincial Director Karen Dañez.
Also present were Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tarlac President Aileen Chan, and Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Enterprise Development Division Supervisor Marina Lopez.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the “Creatives Wall,” which celebrates the innovation and craftsmanship of Tarlac’s local entrepreneurs.
This was followed by a dialogue between MSMEs and agency heads, where participants raised concerns such as compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations, challenges in logistics, and the need for point-of-sale systems.
In response, the DTI and its partners shared information about available programs and pledged continued support to address these challenges.
“We encourage our MSMEs to comply with proper documentation to access more markets through the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace. It’s not enough to just produce and sell—we must be ready for bigger opportunities. With SME hubs being set up in embassies, let’s work together to bring Tarlac products to the global stage while also strengthening our domestic market. Central Luzon is already a top-performing region—let’s keep the momentum going,” Dizon urged.
Furthermore, DOST led a session on science, technology, and innovation programs for MSMEs.
The agency introduced ready-to-adopt technologies, business improvement tools, and training programs such as food safety and consultancy support.
Meanwhile, THEM Coop board member Natividad Yadao extended her gratitude to DTI for spearheading the initiative.
“Maraming salamat sa DTI para sa OTOP Kiosk at Learning Center na malaking tulong sa aming mga MSMEs. Lalo na para sa mga nagsisimula pa lamang, napakalaking bagay na may ganitong platform kung saan kahit papaano ay nakikilala ang aming mga produkto. Napakahalaga rin ng tamang dokumentasyon upang mapalawak pa ang aming maliliit na negosyo. On behalf of the Tarlac MSMEs, taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng partner agencies para sa programang ito (Thank you very much to DTI for the OTOP Kiosk and Learning Center, which is a big help to our MSMEs. Especially for those who are just starting out, it’s a huge thing to have a platform like this where, somehow, our products are being recognized. Proper documentation is also very important to further grow our small businesses. On behalf of the Tarlac MSMEs, we sincerely thank all the partner agencies for this program,” she said.
With the reopening of Komunidad and the introduction of new support facilities, DTI reaffirmed its commitment to helping local enterprises thrive.
Future activities will include innovation and creative workshops, participation in upcoming trade fairs, and building stronger linkages with the tourism and logistics sectors to boost the visibility and reach of MSMEs.
These initiatives align with the core priorities of DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Roque’s five-point agenda, which focuses on digitalization and artificial intelligence integration, broader market access, franchising development, better financing opportunities, and strong support through coaching and mentoring. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)