OTOP Familiarization Tour in Cebu North

A total of 35 participants joined the Familiarization Tour for Cebu Tour Guides On The One Town One Product (OTOP). Other than tour guides, there were representatives from the media, tour operators, DOT and DTI Staff who are involved in the implementation of the OTOP projects.

As may be expected in tours for the OTOP, activities and products were interesting enough for tourists. The tour guides were, in fact, requesting us for an OTOP tour in the western part of the Island.

Cebu has many towns where tourists could immerse themselves on the local culture. The province has been consistently ranked as the top favored tourist destination in the Philippines among foreign travelers based on the recorded number of international tourist arrivals by the Department of Tourism. It's well known products include fashion accessories, housewares, gift items, footwear, furniture, fresh and processed foods among others.

The OTOP product or service in each town and city in Cebu captures the heart, culture and skills of the people in the locality apart from indicating the indigenous raw materials within the area.

For those not in the know, OTOP is a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, local chief executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, which has a competitive advantage.