DTI and 2GO Travel Team Up to Bring OTOP Products Nationwide by Sea

A new partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and 2GO Travel is transforming the way Filipino entrepreneurs bring their products to market—by turning sea travel into a platform for business growth.

(From left) Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the Department of              Trade and Industry; Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group; Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel; and George Clayton Narag, Head of Product Development of 2GO Travel.

Through a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the collaboration goes beyond logistics. It creates a mobile ecosystem where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can not only transport their goods more affordably but also sell them directly to travelers onboard.

At the heart of the initiative are “OTOP Nooks”—dedicated retail spaces inside 2GO passenger vessels that showcase locally made products under the OTOP Philippines Program. These onboard stores open up a unique opportunity: passengers can now discover and purchase regional specialties while sailing across the country.

To further empower entrepreneurs, DTI-endorsed MSMEs participating in trade fairs will benefit from discounted sea travel rates, along with a generous 50-kilogram baggage allowance—making it easier to transport products across islands without the usual high costs.

DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona highlighted the impact of the initiative, emphasizing how it helps Filipino products reach beyond their local communities and into a broader national market.

Meanwhile, Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel, underscored the practical benefits for entrepreneurs. With built-in cargo support and onboard selling opportunities, he noted that starting or scaling a business is now more accessible—allowing MSMEs to literally bring their products directly to consumers while traveling key routes.

The concept first set sail through a pilot launch with DTI Region XII aboard the vessel MV 2GO Masinag. Now, with the nationwide rollout, all 2GO passenger ships are set to become floating marketplaces—connecting local businesses with more customers across the Philippine archipelago.

For MSMEs looking to take advantage of exclusive travel and trade opportunities, inquiries can be directed to tours_groups@2go.com.ph