Regional development projects usually aim to revitalize local economies. Development can be either exogenously or endogenously driven.

This research note is focused on the endogenous aspect showcasing the initiative of local governments units (LGUs) based on self-help efforts by local people from development of ideas to its implementing activities through the promotion of economic development in congruence with the local culture and history and effective use of local resources.

OTOP Philippines is a government program that supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

The program highlights the key concepts of regional pride, rediscovery of indigenous products, entrepreneurship, and Public-Private Partnership

The OTOP Movement leans on the key concepts of regional pride, rediscovery of indigenous products, entrepreneurship, and Public-Private Partnership.

A product does not mean only a good that can be purchased, but can be thought of as also including the process of offering services, maintenance and conservation of natural resources and environment, local wisdom, tourism, arts or good culture, tradition, and learning. Any of these products that have exceptional quality have the potential to be well known all over the country and the world.

Under OTOP, the local chief executives of every city or municipality take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service which has, or has the potential to have a competitive advantage. Such products or services form part of the value chain of the provincial or regional cluster

Rediscovery of indigenous products involves further searching the creative edge of the local resources of the area. Ultimately, this means that the most valuable resource of a town is the creative capacity of its people. It is high time that creativity be harnessed collectively to benefit the town.