DTI OTOP Tindahang Pinoy Model Stores Launched in Butuan

The Department of Trade & Industry Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) formally launched the OTOP Tindahang Pinoy model stores in Butuan City last May 12, 2016. The stores are operated by CReATE Food Inc. (CARAGA Regional Association of Traders & Entrepreneurs in Food, Inc.), a SEC-registered association of SME food manufacturers in the region. Leading the ceremonies were CReATE Food Inc. president Esther Uy and Usec. Nora Terrado of the DTI-Industry Promotion Group (sixth and seventh from left, respectively).

The OTOP Tindahang Pinoy stores have been refurbished with signages featuring the new OTOP logo, which contains three arches to symbolize the following: First, OTOP’s focus on the main product or industry of a particular town or region—thus, One Town, One Product (OTOP). Second, OTOP’s goal of bringing these products to the buying public here and overseas. Third, OTOP as a brand of excellence and quality in products created by the Filipino.

Selling local delicacies, specialty foods, and a variety of goods made locally, Butuan’s OTOP Tindahang Pinoy stores are distinguished by the fact that out of five OTOP Pasalubong Stores evaluated in early 2015, only the Butuan outlets were ready for accreditation. Over the past year, the group of member-entrepreneurs of CReATE Food Inc. worked closely with DTI-BDTP, DTI-Caraga, and other concerned government agencies to address areas such as a new store design concept, merchandising and store promotions, in-store POS systems, Food and Drug Administration certification of manufacturers and products, and a store operations manual.

The DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) awarded Certificates of Accreditation to the OTOP TindahangPinoy stores in Butuan City. These are operated by the CARAGA Regional Association of Traders & Entrepreneurs in Food, Inc. (CReATE Food Inc.). Receiving the certificates are Kevin Uy, OTOP TindahangPinoy-Butuan operations manager, and Esther Uy, CReATE Food Inc. president (sixth and seventh from left, respectively), with other CReATE Food officers. Presenting the certificates are DTI-BDTP assistant director Marievic Bonoan (fourth from left); DTI-Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran (fifth from left); and DTI-Industry Promotions Group undersecretary Nora Terrado (fifth from right).

The first store is located at the ground floor of Gaisano Mall Butuan and sells food products exclusively. The second store is at the second floor of Robinsons Place Butuan, and carries both food and non-food wares.