Baguio City Council pushes local products

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – The city council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance providing funds for implementation of “Buy local, go lokal” program of the Dept. of Trade of Industry. 
    The program aims to increase demand for locally manufactured goods and locally grown fresh products to create local jobs and boost the economy reeling from the pandemic.
    The program is expected to boost sales and distribution of local products through information campaigns and strategic partnerships with retailers, manufacturers, industry associations, local government units, and government agencies, providing more economic opportunities to alleviate the living conditions of Filipino citizens.
    Upon the enactment of the ordinance, the said program shall be funded with P250,000 for implementation to be included in the annual budget of the City Planning and Development Office  and other concerned departments.
    Under the proposed measure, the city government shall partner with the DTI in identifying local products that can be registered as “Go lokal suppliers.”
    “Go Lokal suppliers” are local startups, social entrepreneurs, cooperatives, online sellers, and youth/student entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria and conditions:
can supply unique and quality products with good design and packaging; have little to no access to mainstream retail markets; highly innovative, adapting to evolving market preferences; and must be duly registered and have the necessary business permits, licenses, and certifications.
    The city government shall conduct an exposition of the products for the local micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives at least once a year.
    According to the DTI, the “Buy local, go lokal” campaign was established to support Philippine MSMEs by shifting buying patterns of consumers towards the country’s fresh produce and manufactured goods. This shall help stimulate and boost domestic travel and encourage Filipino consumers to patronize Philippine-owned and operated facilities and services.     
    The city mayor may form a committee to implement the ordinance.
    The committee shall be composed of the City Mayor’s Office, CPDO, DTI, the local investment board, one city council member, representatives of local suppliers, cooperatives, start-ups, MSMEs, and representatives of the Indigenous Peoples community involved in the creation and manufacturing of local products especially woven materials.
    Following its approval on first reading, the proposed ordinance has been referred to the Sanggunian’s committee on employment, livelihood and cooperatives and persons with disabilities to be reviewed.