The 18 local government units in Antique are told to submit proposals for their one-town-one-barangay (OBOP) and one-town-one-product (OTOP) projects for funding.

“You may submit your proposals for the 590 OBOP and 18 OTOP so it could be funded since this is now budget season,” Senator Loren Legarda said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Legarda, who accompanied her brother, Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda, in filing his certificate of candidacy (COC), said projects under the two programs would provide livelihood for the people and help boost the economy.

The senator shared how she inspired and helped the loom weavers in Antique, particularly in Barangay Bagtason in Bugasong, who are now earning a living by producing various products out of “patadyong” such as blouses, shoes, and bags in addition to their traditional wrap-around textile.

She has been supportive of the program to complement the legislative measure of Rep. Legarda for the establishment of the OTOP to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The senator added that she and her brother would work out the creation of another legislative district in Antique and agro-economic zones in the south and north districts or in the central part of the province for job generation under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

“In 2022, we wanted to have the creation of two districts in Antique, but then there was a moratorium, so it was not pushed through,” Legarda said.

The additional district will bring the government services closer to the people since there are representatives dedicated to the south and north districts of Antique. (PNA)