TO USHER the Angeles City-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to transitioning toward a “better new normal," Mayor Carmelo Lazatin granted a total of P160,000 cash assistance to 16 One Town One Product (Otop) Angeles Store merchants.
The distribution on August 9 was led by Lazatin, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Chief Adviser and Tactician and Vice President for Clark Airport Operations IC Calaguas and Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer-in-charge Irish Bonus-Llego at the city hall.
“Pinagsusumikapan po ng administrasyong Lazatin na tugunan ang pangangailangang pinansyal ng ating mga mga kababayan lalo ng ating mga mahuhusay na MSMEs. Ramdam ko po ang mga hinaing niyo. At sana po ay makatulong sa inyo ang sampung-libong dagdag puhunan sa inyong mga negosyo. Ako po mismo ang magpapatunay na basta gawang Angeleño, suguradong world-class yan,” Lazatin said.
The City-Government initiated livelihood program coincides with the celebration of Department of Trade and Industry’s National MSME Week last August 2-6, 2021, anchored with the theme “Makabagong MSMEs, Bagong Pag-asa Laban sa Pandemya.”
Entitled to the cash assistance are ADTO Ship (miniature souvenir ships made of bamboo); BG Metal (metal plant stands and baskets); JJBMS Blooming Greens Enterprises (water bonsais); Cutud Weavers (plant baskets); Ellen’s Recycled Handbags (recycled bags from plastic straws); Flores Handicrafts (kitchen organizers made of rattan); Tamayuc (handwoven bayong bags); Tabak’s Handpainted (ethnic-designed home decors); K’s Creation (upcycled fashion accessories); Wood Concept by Madison Diangson (wooden kitchenwares); Bel’s Woodcraft (wooden kitchenwares); Chilonia Fabrica (Capiz home decors); and Stitched by Raj (hair accessories), Lucio Sison (ref magnets); Catch your Dreamxx (dreamcatchers); and Impact Balibago Arts and Crafts (home interior display).
Manuel said these are just a few to the many projects of the Lazatin administration allotted for the Otop merchants.
“Hinihikayat po namin ang ating mga kapwa Angeleños na lumahok sa programang pangkabuhayang ito ni Mayor Pogi Lazatin. Libre po ang magdisplay ng products niyo sa Otop Angeles Store. Dito ay mas matutulungan po naming kayong mapromote ang mga gawa ninyo,” Manuel said.
Meanwhile, Llego said the Acedipo will guide and monitor the suppliers in utilizing the donated funds.
Back in 2019, the City Government was already gearing toward its efforts to promote locally made products, launching the "Pasal-One, Angeleño Pa!" campaign. The term was coined from the Kapampangan term “pasalwan,” meaning “to buy.”
A two-story building located in Barangay Sto. Rosario was allotted as a venue for merchant-members to display their local produce. Its opening was held in September 2019.
In order to strengthen the campaign amid the pandemic, Lazatin in July 2020 waived the P500 administrative fee in the Otop store for local merchants interested to display their Gawang Angeleño products, aiming to extend a helping hand to revive their small livelihood.
Two kiosks at the entrance doors of the city hall were also established in the middle of the pandemic.
Supervising its operations and management are Manuel and Bonus-Llego.
To be part of the Otop Angeles Store, visit Acedipo at second floor of city hall building, Pulung Maragul. For questions, message @AngelesCityOTOP on Facebook. (With PR)