One Town One Product (OTOP) in La Union is probably one of the most flourishing product innovations in the country. Each town has their own distinctive product which is greatly patronized by the people, and among the most successful launched products in the province is the Dried Fish Production in the municipality of Sto. Tomas.

Dried fish production or what they usually call “daing” is the identity of the municipality since it is the only quality dried fish producer in the province. Particularly at Barangay Damortis, travelers could see how busy the locals are in managing their business, a proof of commitment and dedication to maintain their major source of living. Since majority of the people are engaged in fishing and they are located just beside the sea, there is probably no suitable business in the place other than dried fish production. Because of the increasing demand from consumers, fishermen often go to nearby sea territories to catch fish such as sapsap, milkfish, dalag, danggit, espada, pusit and others.

What makes the dried fish products of Sto. Tomas different from other productions? It is love. They were made with love. People still use the traditional way that is why one can confidently consume the food hearty without worrying about their health. Most of them are home-made and this makes the product extra special. Since it is strongly supported by the LGU, cleanliness was inculcated to the producers to secure the welfare and safety of all buyers and consumers. Putting too much preservatives just to make their products tasty and delicious is probably not their habit because loving what they do is enough to make them delectable.

One of their specialties that makes travellers stop at the line-up stall beside the busy highway of the municipality is the dried milkfish, or the half-dried bangus soaked in a mixture of vinegar, soysauce, salt and pepper. It is indeed delicious that it makes you look for it every breakfast once you already had a taste of it. They also make “alamang”, “patis”, or “padas”. Likewise, dried fish business is rampant not just in the locality but also to nearby towns, provinces and regions. It is good that they are always accessible to travelers.

On the other hand, prices of their products range from 100.00 to 400.00 per kilo, however, if they are per pack, the price lowers down from 30.00 to 80.00. But it is not the price that matters, it’s the contentment and fulfillment that one gets upon consumption.

Having a taste of the dried fish products of Sto. Tomas surely means having the reason to visit La Union again and again!