On May 10, 2023, the Department of Trade and Industry National Capital Regional Office (NCRO) proudly launched its latest One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub in Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig City. This marks the second OTOP Hub in partnership with Ayala Malls in the NCR, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and gain exposure in the market.

The event was graced by DTI NCRO Regional Director Marcelina S. Alcantara, together with DTI NCRO CITE Marikina Center Head Mr. Ferdinand O. Angeles, Ayala Land Inc. Corporate Support Department (CSD) and Community Development Head Ms. Jinky Aguinaldo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – New Marikina (PCCI-New Marikina) Mr. Noel Flores, VP for External Affairs, PCCI-New Marikina Mr. Roger Py Jr., and VP for Internal Affairs, PCCI-New Marikina Mr. Jundio Salvador.

The pilot run was anchored on the theme “An innovative, competitive and inclusive Philippine Footwear Industry with strong and sustainable domestic and global value chain linkages.” The activity aimed to gather relevant stakeholders and enablers with the common intention of uplifting the footwear industry in the country through knowledge sharing and served as a venue for collaboration among stakeholders

The event was attended by more than 100 participants composed of footwear MSMEs nationwide, DTI officials and focals for the Wearables and Homestyle industry cluster, NGAs, and other footwear stakeholders, among others.

The Kawayanan sa Kamaynilan, which has been under continuous construction since 2021, is one of the few places in the NCR where they may see different species of bamboo, learn about its various uses, and conduct bamboo-related training and seminars.

The highlight of the launching was planting 100 bamboo propagules to symbolize the 100 countries that participated in the 8th World Bamboo Congress held in Bangkok on September 18, 2009, and declared September 19 as World Bamboo Day. Aside from Marikina, DENR and DTI-NCRO identified other Metro Manila areas for simultaneous bamboo planting initiatives, including Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, and Pateros.