THE Baguio City Council has approved on first reading an ordinance that would provide funds for the implementation of the “Buy Local, Go Lokal” program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that seeks to support local goods production in the city.
The program intends to revitalize local production and distribution networks through a mix of information campaigns and “strategic partnerships” connecting local goods producers to retailers, manufacturers, private industry associations, and local government as well as other relevant government agencies.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Philian Weygan-Allan, would see an initial fund of P250,000 taken from the city budget, to be downloaded to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) for implementation.
At the same time, the city under the ordinance will partner with the DTI to identify and tag “Go Lokal” suppliers and producers within its jurisdiction, which refers to local startups, cooperatives, and other entrepreneurs who supply “unique and quality products with good design and packaging,” lack access to mainstream markets, and are registered and in possession of all necessary business paperwork and permits.
The city government is also beholden by the ordinance to hold an annual exposition for local businesses, tagged suppliers and cooperatives, and local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to the DTI, the “Buy Local, Go Lokal” campaign has been established to support Philippine MSMEs by pushing consumers towards the country’s fresh produce and locally manufactured goods.
