During DILG sa DZRH Breaktime on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shed light on the remarkable contributions of local products from Midsayap, Cotabato, and Ilocos Norte to community development and the national economy. The discussion centered on how the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from these local government units (LGUs) have significantly impacted their communities.
Midsayap’s economic empowerment through ‘One Barangay, One Product’
Midsayap, Cotabato, under the leadership of Mayor Rolando C. Sacdalan, has been recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners for their "One Barangay, One Product" program.
This initiative, which started last year, has already developed products in 22 of Midsayap’s 44 barangays. The program aims to enhance barangay-based livelihoods through product development, creating employment opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship.
"The program economically empowered the people of Midsayap. Our beneficiaries are accredited, registered, and recognized rural-based groups and individual entrepreneurs in the barangays," Mayor Sacdalan explained.
He added that products such as sampaloc candy, mushroom chips, and banana chips are sold in local pasalubong centers and have even found their way to international markets.
The initiative has not only fostered a positive business environment but also ingrained a culture of entrepreneurship across all barangays in Midsayap. This has allowed residents to improve their local specialties, transforming them into recognized banner products of their barangays.
Ilocos Norte’s ‘Produce to Consumer’ Program Boosts Local MSMEs
In Ilocos Norte, the MSME Office, headed by Ms. Elma O. Gabriel, has received acclaim for its "Produce to Consumer" (P2C) program, which was awarded in the "Improving Access to Markets" category.
The P2C program aims to assist local MSMEs and farmers by providing them with direct access to consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen and maximizing profits for the producers.
"Ang producer-to-consumer [P2C] program naglalayong tulungan ang local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise [MSME] at mga magsasaka natin para mabenta na nila directly to consumers," said Gabriel.
Gabriel highlighted that the P2C program partners with highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila to conduct regular selling activities. This initiative has proven effective in promoting Ilocos Norte's local products, helping MSMEs reach a broader market and ensuring that their goods gain recognition beyond their immediate locality.
The success stories of Midsayap and Ilocos Norte exemplify the potential of local government-led initiatives in driving economic growth and community development.
Through programs like "One Barangay, One Product" and "Produce to Consumer," these LGUs have not only strengthened their local economies but have also contributed to the overall development of the country's MSME sector.
