DTI, 2GO Travel Partner to Sail OTOP Products Across Philippine Seas

2GO, the country’s premier sea travel operator, formalized a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to further support the growth of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding their reach to wider markets through affordable sea travel for trade and the establishment of OTOP Nooks aboard 2GO Travel passenger vessels.

The agreement enables special discounted sea travel rates for DTI-endorsed MSMEs participating in official trade fairs. With up to 50 kilograms of baggage allowance, entrepreneurs can conveniently transport a variety of products across routes. Complementing these travel benefits is the rollout of OTOP Nooks across all 2GO Travel passenger ships, providing onboard retail spaces dedicated to showcasing and selling products from partner micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the OTOP Philippines Program. The initiative creates new retail touchpoints for Filipino-made products while giving travelers access to locally crafted goods during their journeys.

DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for MSMEs, noting that “this initiative strengthens the presence of proudly Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility.”

2GO will offer special discounted rates for DTI-endorsed MSMEs joining official trade fairs, along with exclusive travel and cargo support to streamline their participation.

Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel, shared that “this collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network, and we hope that they take advantage of their 50kg baggage allowance that comes with every 2GO Travel ticket. This actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier. Now, you can carry the trade you want to sell with you, bring your products directly to passengers across key routes, and strengthen your visibility while maximizing our onboard retail platform.”

The first OTOP partnership between DTI Region XII and 2GO Travel was launched onboard MV 2GO Masinag. With the signing of this nationwide MOA, the initiative now expands to cover all 2GO Travel passenger vessels, further connecting local entrepreneurs to a broader customer base.

For inquiries on MSME-exclusive travel offers, contact tours_groups@2go.com.ph.

 

2GO Travel Joins DTI’s OTOP Program to Promote Local Products Across the Philippines

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and 2GO, the best sea travel company in the Philippines, have teamed up to promote locally made goods through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program and its Biyahe2Business campaign.

The goal of the partnership is to make regional micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) more visible in the market by displaying their OTOP products in special kiosks on 2GO Travel ships. This program turns every trip into a showcase of Filipino pride, regional flavors, and craftsmanship.

The Biyahe2Business program officially launches the partnership by showcasing OTOP products from Region 12. The local DTI office will work with MV 2GO Masinag to set up a special OTOP nook on board that will show off accredited products. Soon, more OTOP displays from other areas will be on more 2GO ships.

This project backs DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Center (SCLC), which gives MSMEs real-time logistics information, market connections, and programs to help them grow.

“This partnership lets DTI regional offices bring and promote their goods across islands using creative and practical logistics solutions,” said Flora D. Politud-Gabunales, CESO V, DTI-12 Regional Director and DTI-RAPID Growth Project National Director. ” 2GO has made it easier for MSMEs to reach more customers and for travelers to learn about real Filipino food and crafts from all over the country.”

The partnership fits with 2GO Travel’s ongoing goal to help small businesses by making it easier for them to get transportation and logistics help through the 2GO Travel Biyahe2Business platform. With this program, 2GO connects local business owners with bigger markets. This makes sure that Filipino-made goods can travel as far and as proudly as the people who make them.

Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head for 2GO Travel, said, “This partnership shows our long-term commitment to helping small businesses succeed by giving them flexible, affordable, and reliable transportation options.” ” Our generous 50 kg luggage allowance makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to move their goods and supplies between islands.” This benefit helps them grow and reach more people. We at 2GO think that sea travel is not just about getting from one place to another; it’s also about bringing people together, celebrating culture, and making business possible. ” We’re bringing the best of each region to more Filipinos through this program.”

2GO Travel, DTI’s official travel and logistics partner, will do more than just show off local goods. They will also offer group tour packages and special travel discounts for MSMEs. These programs will give business owners reliable and affordable ways to get around. 2GO keeps making trade and business easier across the country by adding new direct routes from Manila to major trade centers like Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and its newest stops, Davao and General Santos City.

As part of the deal, 2GO will also offer consulting and logistics advice that is specific to the needs of MSMEs and help set up Logistics Support Desks at certain Negosyo Centers in important areas.

If you have questions about travel and logistics deals just for MSMEs, email tours_groups@2go.com. ph.