Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Monday called for stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying Filipino entrepreneurs can create excellent, high-quality, and world-class products if given the right opportunities.
He said the principles behind One Town, One Product (OTOP) continue to show how small, community-based enterprises can drive inclusive growth.
During the launch of “OTOP is in the House 3.0 – B2B House Appliance Fair 2025” at the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives, Dy said his four decades in public service have taught him a defining lesson on the value of giving Filipino enterprises the support they need.
“Kapag binibigyan natin ng suporta at pagkakataon ang ating kapwa Pilipino, kaya niyang lumikha ng produktong mahusay, de-kalidad, at world-class na talaga namang ating maipagmamalaki,” the Speaker said.
Dy thanked the Department of Trade and Industry, led by Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque; Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron; House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Maximo Dalog Jr.; and the Association of Small Domestic Appliances of the Philippines Inc., headed by Carlo Y. Yao, for their role in strengthening local industries.
“Sa Kamara, malinaw ang aming layunin: palakasin ang MSMEs. Gawing mas madali ang pagnenegosyo, mas accessible ang puhunan, at mas patas ang merkado.”
He said the fair is not merely an exhibit but a recognition of the livelihood, talent and creativity of every Filipino entrepreneur.
Dy cited the findings of a recent study in his home province of Isabela showing that more than 85 percent of OTOP entrepreneurs are sole proprietors with only ₱10,000 to ₱50,000 in capital.
Despite the limited resources, he said, “they dare to dream, they dare to build.”
“Ano po ang kanilang ginagawa? Delicacies. Kakanin. Sauces. Inumin. Agricultural produce tulad ng kape. Mga produktong galing sa kanya-kanyang bayan, na pwedeng dalhin saan mang bahagi ng bansa—at maging sa buong mundo,” Dy said.
“Sa madaling salita: One Town, One Product—na may kalidad, na siguradong tatangkilikin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo,” he continued.
According to the Speaker, the strength of the small domestic appliances industry reflects broader Filipino capability.
“Ang bawat appliance na ‘Made in the Philippines’ ay hindi lamang basta gamit sa bahay. These are symbols of innovation, engineering and Filipino craftsmanship,” Dy stressed.
He added: “Ipinapakita nitong kaya nating gumawa hindi lamang ng masarap kainin, kundi ng matibay gamitin; hindi lamang ng tradisyunal na bagay, kundi pati mga high-tech na device; hindi lamang ang mga pang-local, kundi pati rin ang mga pang-world class na produkto.”
Dy said the principles behind One Town, One Product (OTOP) continue to show how small, community-based enterprises can drive inclusive growth.
Dy said the House aims to make doing business easier for MSMEs and ensure fairer access to capital and markets.
“Sa Kamara, malinaw ang aming layunin: palakasin ang MSMEs. Gawing mas madali ang pagnenegosyo, mas accessible ang puhunan, at mas patas ang merkado. Dahil kapag umangat ang maliliit na negosyo, aangat ang buong bansa,” he said.
The House chief urged distributors, buyers and partners to pursue collaborations that create tangible benefits for communities.
“Tandaan natin, ang mga partnership o kolaborasyon ay hindi lang transaksyon—ito ay nagbibigay-daan tungo sa oportunidad tulad ng trabaho, kabuhayan, at pag-asa para sa mga Pilipinong naghahangad ng mas magandang kinabukasan,” he said.
Dy ended his speech by urging Filipinos to believe in their own craftsmanship.
“Kayang-kaya ng Pilipino. Kaya nating mag-design, lumikha, mag-innovate, at makipagsabayan sa iba sa pamamagitan ng mga produktong siguradong mataas ang kalidad. Dahil dito, hindi malayong lumago ang negosyo—at hindi imposibleng maabot ninyo ang inyong mga pangarap.”
