Tarlac State University through Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Niño B. Corpuz supported the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Roadshow during the 4th Tarlac Business Conference and Expo (BizConEx) on July 16, 2026 at the Tarlac City Plazuela Hall.
Themed "Navigating the Shift: Building Resilient and Future-Ready MSMEs", entrepreneurs and stakeholders took part in signing the manifesto of support for the OTOP Philippines.
The session served as the initiator for not only strengthening local enterprises but also creating new jobs and promoting inclusive and sustainable local economic development. Along with local government units, government agencies, and private stakeholders, they seek to help local products and enterprises realize their full potential.
The OTOP Philippines program aims to develop competitive, innovative, and market-ready products that reflect the locality’s unique identity, culture, and resources. Their manifesto serves as proof of their commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME’s) in Central Luzon, in which the university is a member of their council.
Moreover, products from various locales within Central Luzon are showcased through the Regional Trade Fair, where booths for food items, souvenirs, and other crafts made from indigenous materials are displayed. Among the products that stood out were RP Corpus, Mani Concepcion, and Paniqui’s modern bayong bags.
TSU has also set up a booth showcasing products and services from the Center for Food Technology and Research (CFTR) and the Office of Innovation and Business Development (OIBD).
TSU assists MSMEs like Zacobi, Rangie’s Food Products, Light & Salt, Watz Bakin, Fher’s Food Products, Herbin Enterprise, and Potter’s Hand Processed Foods to process their manufacturing papers and secure intellectual property licenses to operate, certificates of product registration/notification, online certification processes, and other requirements, allowing them to manufacture, distribute, and export their products through TSU’s OIBD.
Government help desks, business networking, and other opportunities can also be found at the event. Aside from the trade fair, there were learning sessions and market-matching activities, such as the Regional Energy Forum and TESDA's Barista workshop.
The program was organized by PCCI Tarlac in partnership with the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT), DTI, DOST, DOLE, and TESDA.
