The 2008 OTOP Conference & Awarding Ceremonies with the theme “OTOP: Building Effective Coalition in Central Luzon”  will be held on November 20, 2008 at King’s Royale, GSO Road, Bacolor, Pampanga.  Now on it’s 3^rd year, the conference will serve as the venue to present and address the issues and concerns affecting the development of the OTOP MSMEs which were identified during the provincial consultations and recognize the nominees and award the winners for the Most Supportive OTOP MSME, Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organization and Best OTOP Implementer in Central Luzon for 2008.

In preparation for the OTOP awarding, a Regional Validating Team composed of  DTI, DOST, TRC, DAR, DA & NEDA conducted provincial visits from October 21 to 30  to validate the provincial nominees and select the winners for the three categories.

Other highlights of the event are Commitment Signing, Launching of CL MSME Info Network and a  Fashion Show of the Top of the Line OTOP Wearable items.  A mini OTOP trade fair will also be set up during the conference to allow the participants to see and buy some OTOP products from the different provinces.