One town, one product in Laguna business expo

Small, medium and big-time entrepreneurs, including the academe, unify to gear up for the future of Laguna, currently among the top five provinces of the country with its modernized agro-industrial economy. 

“Laguna Business and Investment Expo 2008,” from Nov. 5 to 9 in SM City, Santa Rosa, Laguna, will be the first of its kind, offering various business and livelihood options.   With the theme “Boundless Possibilities,” the pioneering exposition presents income-generating opportunities even in times of economic difficulty.

“There are boundless possibilities in the beautiful province of Laguna,” says Dennis S. Lazaro, a successful businessman and currently Laguna’s provincial administrator. “This is the message we wish to promote to everyone through the expo. These are signs of the province’s changing times. We will also reinforce the idea of ‘one town, one product’ in this expo.” He adds, “We have taken the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product per town that has a competitive advantage. This is our way of supporting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s priority program called OTOP (One Town, One Province).”

OTOP promotes entrepreneurship and creates jobs, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises. Indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents are used to manufacture, offer and market the distinctive products or services of a town.

Liliw has a booming footwear and bag industry. This footwear capital of Laguna boasts fine craftsmanship as seen in its array of flip-flops, sandals, espadrilles, peep-toe flats and stilettos as well as kids’ sandals and men’s shoes.

The City of Seven Lakes, San Pablo, is blessed with coconut plantations that provide employment and income as well as revenue to the local government. Coconut-based handicrafts and decor, as well as coconut-based food products, have been identified as the banner or OTOP product. 

Mention pandan and Luisiana and Cavinti come to mind. Pandan leaves are used to make baskets, bags, hats, mats, picture frames and numerous fancy articles. 

The women of Lumban are known for their elaborate barong embroidery. Hand-embroidered barong is an art passed on from generation to generation in this town.

All these and many more Laguna products will be showcased at the OTOP Congress during the expo on Nov. 6, such as housewares made of water hyacinth; herbal, natural and novelty items made of indigenous materials; decors and novelties made from wood shavings; mask and papier-maché products; fruit wines and buko tarts.

Governor Teresita S. Lazaro opens the five-day expo at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 5. Talks to help Laguna’s entrepreneurs will be led by Rommel Juan, president, Association of Philippine Franchisers, Inc. on the “Latest Trends, Strategies and Opportunities in Philippine Franchising,” and Joey Concepcion, founding trustee, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, on “Go Negosyo: Starting Your Own Business.” 

Consultancy clinics will also be conducted on topics such as Product Development Services, Packaging and Labeling Services, Financing, Intellectual Property, Investment Promotions, SME/LGU Development, Food Business Licensing and Accreditation. There will also be technology demonstrations on Fruit/Butter Carving, Pandan Weaving, Embroidery and Mask and Headdress Making Using Papier-Maché.