BOHOL continues to strengthen its creative economy by opening its first One Town, One Product (OTOP) Creatives and Artisans Marketplace.
Held from September 23 to 28 at the BQ Mall Atrium in Tagbilaran City, the marketplace is part of the month-long celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bohol, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), organized the inaugural marketplace, bringing together 25 exhibitors from Bohol and other parts of the Philippines to showcase locally made products, creative works, and artisan crafts.
In her welcome remarks, DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Vierna Teresa Ligan said the celebration highlights creativity not only as artistic expression but also as a driver of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic development.
Ligan said the marketplace provides meaningful opportunities for people and enterprises to come together, build common purpose, grow local businesses, and improve access to markets.
Representing Governor Aris Aumentado, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo said the event provides a platform to showcase the roots, products, and services of Boholano entrepreneurs and artisans alongside creative enterprises from across the country.
She said the PGBh strongly supports the growth of the creative industry and the expansion of the local economy through local production, emphasizing that creative micro, small, and medium enterprises deserve opportunities to grow.
“We are more than ready to offer our resources to all Boholanos and artisans,” Asoy-Piollo said, conveying the governor’s message.
Provincial Tourism Council Chairman Atty. Lucas Nunag underscored the creative industry as a vital component of tourism, encouraging entrepreneurs to continuously develop new ideas and products that can enhance Bohol’s position as a tourism destination.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that local products express Bohol’s heritage while remaining sustainable and inclusive.
The marketplace likewise supports the broader efforts of the Bohol Island Geopark Management to promote local heritage, culture, and livelihoods as integral components of sustainable development and tourism.
Closing the program, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Steven Lim said the event goes beyond showcasing products, noting that behind every local product is a community working together to preserve culture and empower MSMEs.
Also present during the opening were representatives of Congresswoman Van-Van Aumentado, JP Maslog; Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, represented by Fiel Arao-Arao Gabin; and other stakeholders.
The OTOP Creatives and Artisans Marketplace 2026 provides a venue for creative enterprises to connect with consumers and markets while highlighting Bohol’s cultural identity, local craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial potential.
This initiative aligns with the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda, supporting a smart, resilient, and inclusive Bohol through sustainable local enterprise development, cultural heritage promotion, and strengthened creative industries. (PIMO/JFP)
