In plain ceremonies at the Davidson Hotel, here, last week, the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) awarded exceptional sectors for excellent contribution to the One Town One Product (OTOP) program.
Three entrepreneurs from the coffee industry, as Kalinga’s OTOP centerpiece, were awarded Outstanding OTOP Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) namely Antoza Refalda of Kalinga Brew, Grace Agtina Damian of Kalinga Blend and Mananig Multi-purpose Cooperative, represented by its Manager Rolando Esposo for Mananig Coffee.
The three engaged in coffee processing business with less than P3million capital and are producers of powdered roasted organic coffee now out in the market, here and abroad. Their products are renowned today at super markets, malls and coffee shops because of their extra-ordinary taste that lure coffee drinkers.
Kalinga Brew, Kalinga Blend and Mananig Coffee very well sell during trade fairs through the market promotion of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Most Supportive LGU Award went to the municipalities of Tabuk and Pasil for including specific programs on OTOP in their local development plans. Both have released funds for OTOP projects that went directly to coffee farmers who learned to organize into cooperatives and associations for stronger structure. [via PIA]