DTI Cavite opens 1st OTOP Store in SM Malls in CALABARZON

Posted: January 31, 2025
DTI and City of Dasmariñas LGU officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of OTOP Store in SM Dasmariñas

A new chapter in empowering local entrepreneurs was unveiled on January 27, 2025, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the City of Dasmariñas LGU celebrated the grand launch of the OTOP (One Town, One Product) Store located at UG Floor, SM City Dasmariñas, Brgy. Sampaloc 1, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The event marked the opening of the third OTOP Store in Cavite, following the success of other stores in Tagaytay and Bacoor. The OTOP Store will be operated by the Dasmariñas Entrepreneurial and Consumers Cooperative (DECC), led by Mr. Arman Mojica, and will showcase a wide array of high-quality products made by local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Gracing the event were DTI officials including Asst. Secretary Dominic Tolentino, Regional Director Marissa Argente, Asst. Regional Director Revelyn Cortez, and Provincial Directors Lilibeth Chavez (Cavite), Julieta Tadiosa (Quezon), and Christian Ted Tungohan (Laguna). Also present were Dasmariñas City Mayor Hon. Jenny Barzaga, LEDIPO Head Carlos Legaspi, SM Malls representatives Edith Tayko and Minabel Llanes, and other staff from the DTI and LGU.

During her remarks, RD Argente emphasized the significance of partnerships in the realization of initiatives like this: “DTI initiates the program, but without the LGU support, it wouldn’t be possible.” She also highlighted that the OTOP Store serves

as a “training ground” to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and establish their own independent stores in the future.

DTI and City of Dasmariñas LGU officials posing for a photo during the launch OTOP Store in SM Dasmariñas

DTI Asec. Tolentino encouraged further efforts to identify and develop more MSMEs across barangays, saying, “Suyurin ang mga barangay upang mas madaming matulungang MSMEs na may potential.”

Mayor Jenny Barzaga expressed her gratitude to the DTI, SM City Dasmariñas, and Team Dasma for turning the dream of having an OTOP Store into reality. She praised the collaboration between the LGU, private sector, and the DECC for the successful launch.

The store highlights the products of Dasmariñas-based MSMEs, including Maestra Panaderia, Project Beans, Absmush Mushroom, Dingras Food House, Nutria Farm, EMCK Foods Philippines OPC, Olivia Perfumes, and Kuya Jay’s Takoyaki, among others.

On behalf of the 27 founding members of the cooperative, DECC Head Arman Mojica expressed his appreciation to the LGU and DTI, noting that the store’s concept evolved from a simple “Likhang Dasmariñas” initiative to the broader OTOP Store, thanks to the intervention of DTI Cavite.

The OTOP Store aims to bring locally-made products closer to the public, promoting Filipino craftsmanship while empowering entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. With this launch, Dasmariñas City continues to set a benchmark for supporting local MSMEs in the region. ♦

Date of release: 31 January 2025