Senator Cynthia Villar has recognized the important role of the “One Town One Pasko” (OTOP) program of the Department of Industry (DOT) to help the economy bounce back.
During the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Grand OTOP Provincial Trade Fair with the theme: “OTOPasko: Atinito!” on December 16 at Vista Mall in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Villar commended the DTI Laguna for supporting our local micro small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The OTOP program of the government is intended for MSMEs and I am glad that the DTI has leveled it up through its OTOP next-generation program that assists them in product development and enhances services in terms of assistance in improving quality, design, packaging, marketability, standards compliance among others,” Villar said.
And with the eased restrictions, she said many people will now go out to buy their needs for the Christmas season.
“That is the essence of OTOP—to patronize our own. It enables localities and communities to develop, support, and promote products or services that are rooted in its local culture, community resource, creativity, connection, and competitive advantage,” Villar said.
Villar also said there are indeed many areas where we can help our MSMEs to further improve their businesses and income. “We can make this happen with the collaborative efforts of the private sector and the government especially since the MSMEs is the engine of the country’s growth.”
The MSMEs, Villar said, comprise more than 99 percent of businesses in our country and employ over 65 percent of Filipinos.
She also related that many big companies started as MSMEs. She specifically cited the real estate business of their family which started with a small gravel and sand company. Now, it is already a publicly-listed corporation.
“So I can relate with small entrepreneurs and that is why we have a soft spot for MSMEs and we promote entrepreneurship. (Former Senate President ) Manny (Villar) and I as well as the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), have always been active advocates of entrepreneurship,” she said.
As entrepreneurs ourselves, Villar said they know that entrepreneurship is the key to the economic freedom of Filipinos. She mentioned that from a small gravel and sand company, with two second-hand delivery trucks, she said her husband has created the country’s largest homebuilder (Vista Land).
As a lawmaker, Villar helped pursue legislation that will benefit MSMEs. She led the passage of legislations for entrepreneurs. Among which is the Magna Carta of Micro-Enterprises and Republic Act No. 9178 or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs).
Villar was also the co-author and co-sponsor of the “Youth Entrepreneurship Act” or Republic Act 10679 (enacted into law in 2015). It encourages a new generation of entrepreneurs by promoting entrepreneurship and financial education among Filipino youth.
 program of the Department of Industry (DOT) to help the economy bounce back.){kind=link}