The recent signing of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product Philippines Act  by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on 24 August as a crucial step towards economic recovery.

"The OTOP law decentralizes opportunities, giving each town and province the chance to shine with their unique products," Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said as he emphasized the law's potential to redistribute economic power from the capital to the provinces and other regions.

Bridge for social divide

Go, who authored and co-sponsored the OTOP law, considers it more than a mere stimulus package for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs.

He views it as a socio-economic reform that can bridge the urban-rural divide.

The senator also highlighted the role of the OTOP Program in fostering community-led innovation.

"When communities take the lead in product development, we see more sustainable and culturally relevant outcomes.

This is what OTOP aims to achieve," Go said.