The 11 “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) retail stores across Negros Occidental have generated PHP663.03 million in sales from January to June this year, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday showed.

This was highlighted as part of the agency’s midyear assessment that reviewed the program accomplishments, shared good practices, discussed challenges and aligned priorities and proposed activities for the rest of the year.

DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal underscored the continuing strong partnership between the DTI and the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the OTOP Program.

“OTOP coordinators and LGU partners play an important role in sustaining the program and creating opportunities for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow, improve their products and become more competitive,” Cardinal said in a statement.

The 11 OTOP retail stores, including nine LGU-based and two privately-run, are assisting 616 MSMEs.

Those operated by the LGUs are located in Hinigaran, Kabankalan City, Sipalay City and Cadiz City, which were launched in 2025.

This year, stores were opened in Sagay City, Calatrava, Bacolod City, Bago City and Isabela.

In May 2021, the province’s first OTOP was opened by the Association of Negros Producers at its showroom on South Capitol Road in Bacolod City.

Operating since October 2021, the OTOP Lifestyle displays products from 168 MSMEs inside the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, also in this city.

DTI-Negros Occidental trade industry development specialist Gabriel Advincula, the OTOP focal person, said that five additional LGU-managed retail stores as well as three others under the private sector will also be launched within the year.

He added that in November, they will stage the 1st OTOP Siklaban 2026, which will feature awards, recognition and competitions among the retail stores.

The OTOP stores “serve not only as selling platforms, but also as centers for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, helping local producers, artisans, farmers, and processors bring their products closer to consumers.”

Under the OTOP Program, MSMEs are supported through product development, branding, marketing assistance and market access. (PNA)