A flock of beautiful models showcased the best OTOP products of Central Luzon, ranging from bridal fashion to bags for casual outings.
Pretty maidens from Mariveles, Bataan paraded an assortment of export-quality bags ranging from the kikay to the sporty ones. Apparently these bags are Mariveles’s most well-kept secrets, with a loyal following from celebrities and socialites alike. Even airsoft enthusiasts and mountaineers could get their pick of sports gear from Mariveles manufacturers.
Gapan City’s bustling footwear industry, comparable to that of Marikina City, is indeed a model OTOP with their wide selection of footwear catering to people from all walks of life and fit for any occasion. This city in Nueva Ecija is becoming increasingly famous for its chosen industry that inspired the staging of their annual Tsinelas Festival.
The pride of Pandi, Bulacan are the exquisitely embroidered creations of the “Disenyong Pandi” industry. Alluring lasses from Bulacan wore equally alluring bridal gowns designed by fashion icon Renee Salud and executed by Pandi’s talented pool of couturiers and designers for the recent Mutya ng Bulacan pageant. Those who have plans to have truly Filipiniana weddings must try the gowns crafted in the age-old Pandi tradition.
Aurora province’s OTOP bet highlighted the use of woven indigenous material called sabutan, a thriving industry among its locals. The lovely model wore an elegant Filipiniana inspired gown made entirely of sabutan! Other wonderful sabutan products were fans, slippers, bags and souvenir items that you should not leave Aurora without.
Painstakingly perfected knitted and crocheted gowns from Ramos were showcased as Tarlac province’s best OTOP. Done by women in the municipality, these amazing handcrafted products are selling like hotcakes abroad and are must-haves for the true fashionista.
Pampanga’s OTOP bet surely cannot be missed as it pays homage to the much celebrated Giant Lantern Festival and the booming lantern industry that makes the City of San Fernando the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. Lakan and Mutya ng San Fernando – Sinukwan were clad in colorful lantern-inspired creations that gave life to the “Parul Sampernandu”. The San Fernando lantern which has become the face of Christmas in Filipino homes here and abroad is a lasting testament to Kapampangan artistry and genius.
Another highlight of the conference was the awarding ceremony for the search for the Best OTOP LGU Implementer, Best OTOP Partner Organization and the Best OTOP Micro-Small-Medium Enterprise.
For the third year in a row, the Local Government Unit of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga under the leadership of good governance advocate Mayor Oca Rodriguez bagged the Best OTOP LGU Implementer award for the renowned lantern making industry typified by the traditional parul sampernandu. The city is a hall of famer when it comes to OTOP in this part of the country.
The Best OTOP Partner Organization or Agency award was given to back to back winner Department of Science and Technology – Pampanga Provincial Office, a testament to their commitment to the program, especially Ms. Mary Michelle Quiambao who is also a part of the provincial OTOP team.
Bagong Barrio Multipurpose Cooperative of Pandi, Bulacan was awarded as the Best MSME Award for its increasingly famous “Disenyong Pandi”, traditional embroidered couture that is an icon of Bulakenyo culture.
With OTOP, we get to prove that Filipino products are truly world class!
