Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday called for stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying Filipino entrepreneurs can create excellent, high-quality, and world-class products if given the right opportunities.
During the launch of “OTOP is in the House 3.0 – B2B House Appliance Fair 2025” at the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives, the Speaker said the principles behind One Town, One Product (OTOP) continue to show how small, community-based enterprises can drive inclusive growth.
Dy said his four decades in public service have taught him a defining lesson on the value of giving Filipino enterprises the support they need.
“Kapag binibigyan natin ng suporta at pagkakataon ang ating kapwa Pilipino, kaya niyang lumikha ng produktong mahusay, de-kalidad, at world-class na talaga namang ating maipagmamalaki (If we give support and opportunity to our fellow Filipinos, they can create quality and world-class products that we can be proud of),” he said.
He said the fair is not merely an exhibit but a recognition of the livelihood, talent and creativity of every Filipino entrepreneur.
Dy cited the findings of a recent study in his home province of Isabela showing that more than 85 percent of OTOP entrepreneurs are sole proprietors with only PHP10,000 to PHP50,000 in capital.
Despite the limited resources, he said, “they dare to dream, they dare to build.”
“Ano po ang kanilang ginagawa? Delicacies, kakanin, sauces, inumin, agricultural produce tulad ng kape. Mga produktong galing sa kanya-kanyang bayan, na pwedeng dalhin saan mang bahagi ng bansa, at maging sa buong mundo (What are their products? Delicacies, rice cakes, sauces, drinks, agricultural produce like coffee. Products coming from their respective towns that can be brought to other parts of the country and even to the whole world),” Dy said.
“Sa madaling salita: One Town, One Product – na may kalidad, na siguradong tatangkilikin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo (In other words, one town, one product – of a quality that will be patronized in various parts of the globe),” he said.
He added that the strength of the small domestic appliances industry reflects broader Filipino capabilities.
“These are symbols of innovation, engineering, and Filipino craftsmanship,” he said.
Dy said the House aims to make doing business easier for MSMEs and ensure fairer access to capital and markets.
The leader of the House also urged distributors, buyers and partners to pursue collaborations that create tangible benefits for communities – jobs, livelihoods that give hope to every Filipino aspiring for a better future.
Dy also thanked the Department of Trade and Industry, led by Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque; Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron; House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Maximo Dalog Jr.; and the Association of Small Domestic Appliances of the Philippines Inc., headed by Carlo Yao, for their role in strengthening local industries. (PNA)