PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Consumer Assistance
As a whole, the Department of Trade and Industry highlights the importance of consumer welfare. It regulates policies that protect the rights of the consumers via different methods. DTI-NCR makes sure that the provisions in these policies or laws are effective. The consumer assistance service implemented by DTI-NCR, in coordination with the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection include information dissemination, regular monitoring of establishments, and complaints handling.

  • Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD)
To further strengthen the promotion of consumer welfare in the metropolis, DTI partnered with Shoe Mart (SM) in establishing CWDs in Metro Manila. These CWDs aim to develop a self-policing mechanism in the resolution of complaints

Objectives:

To forge efforts between the government and the private sector in the promotion of consumer welfare
To develop self-policing mechanism and responsible entrepreneurship
To establish procedures to systematically and appropriately address consumer complaints.
Importance of CWDs
 
For the Consumer:

o Easier access to consumer desks for queries or resolution of complaints
For the Business Sector:

oVenue for creating good public image
oEasier access to government programs, new laws and new policies
oComplaints / cases are readily heard / resolved without going through tedious litigation process with DTI and other government enforcement agencies.
For the Government:

oAchievement of Quality consciousness
o Multiplier effect (limited resources)
Advantages of CWDs

Having information on complaints / queries filed with the DTI-NCR against the establishments and the opportunity to resolve them first before DTI-NCR does its own proceedings;
Being provided relevant information materials that maybe distributed to consumers to help enhance consumer vigilance as well as to promote responsible consumerism;
Getting first-hand information on new laws, policies and other government directives relevant to our operations through seminars, brochures and other materials;
Being included in the list to be regularly documented by the DTI-NCR, of CWDs in Metro Manila, the more consumer-friendly outlets in the region
Roles and responsibilities of Proponents

The DTI-NCR shall:The Participating Dealers / Outlets shall:

  • Initiate the planning and installation of systems and procedures for the operationalization of the CWD
  • Initiate systems for monitoring the impact of CWDs as well as documenting the complaints / resolutions
  • Provide information materials relative to consumer education / awareness
  • Assist the participating outlets / dealers by providing relevant and timely information that may affect their operations
  • Conduct information campaigns / seminars / trainings with the CWD participants on Trade and Industry Laws (TILs)
  • Provide speakers to seminar / training program of accredited CWD
  • Consolidate reports received from various CWDs
  • Act on complaints endorsed by the CWDs
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of CWDs
  • Follow-up all complaints endorsed to CWDs without feedback 15 days after endorsement
  • Provide the appropriate resources for the CWD
  • Set-up and over-all manage the CWD
  • Act immediately on consumer complaints
  • Assist in the planning, design of the systems and procedures for the operationalization of the CWD
  • Prepare and submit to DTI-NCR within fifteen (15) days upon receipt, status of complaints endorsed by the same
  • Prepare monthly reports of complaints received and resolutions to DTI-NCR
  • Coordinate / refer to DTI-NCR complaints which cannot be resolved in their level
  • Disseminate relevant information materials to help promote consumer vigilance and responsible consumerism
Operating Guidelines

CWDs can be established in the following: retail outlets, car dealer, repair shops, malls, and department stores.
Functions of CWD

CWD shall enhance coordination / cooperation among the consumers, private sector thru various trade groups in promoting consumer welfare
CWD shall serve as complaint desk to provide speedy resolution of consumer complaints
CWD shall facilitate the flow of consumer protection information
Application Procedures

Applicant shall fill-up the application form in two (2) copies and submit the same to the concerned Provincial Director of DTI-NCR together with documentary requirements.
The concerned Provincial Office through its coordinators will evaluate the application based on qualifications.
The coordinator will submit the application evaluation form with their recommendation to the Provincial Director.
The Provincial Office will write the store / mall manager regarding the result of their application.
The Provincial Office will assist the launching of the CWD.
A certificate of recognition signed by the Regional Dirctor and the concerned Provincial Director will be given to qualified CWDs.
Structure
The CWD shall be situated at a strategic place easily located by consumers preferably near the Customer Relations Desk of the stores / outlets or at the center lobby of the malls or commercial center.
The CWD should have at least two (2) staff (for big outlets / departments stores and malls) and shall be provided with a telephone hotline for consumer complaints / queries.
The desks should be provided by the supporting agencies with information materials on consumer issues / concerns such as flyers, brochures of different consumer-oriented agencies.
A logbook should be available to record complaints filed and action taken thereon, whether it was immediately resolved or endorsed.
Complaint forms should be readily available for easy referral of cases.
To enhance the CWD visibility, the CWD logo should be placed above the CWD site.
Management

CWDs in business establishments shall be manned / operated and supervised primarily by the manager / supervisor of the participating stores / car dealers / repair shops, malls and department stores.
Resolution of Consumer Complaints
 
These set of guidelines is designed to assist the CWD officer in the speedy and effective resolution of consumer complaints.
• Receive and record complaint/s
 
CWD officer should get the following details:
o Date of complaint
o Name, address and telephone number of complainant
o Name, address and telephone number of store / car dealer / repair shop being complained
o Nature of complaint
o Evidence
o Demands / request of complainant
 
A logbook should be provided to record the above details including the action taken on the complaint, and disposition at CWD level.
• Analyze complaint/s and take appropriate action

o Determine if the complaint is within the CWD’s jurisdiction.
o Mediate and act on complaint immediately.
o If complaint is settled, prepare accomplishment report.
o If complaint is not settled, refer / endorse complaint to proper agency.
 


 

Price Monitoring

Price Monitoring is an effective way to budget your expenses. It gives you a clearer picture of the various scenarios when it comes to prices, in different market places.
 
DTI-NCR’s Price Monitoring Section provides a comprehensive database of prices of basic and prime commodities in wet markets in key cities and municipalities. This is a useful tool for those who regularly do the shopping for daily or weekly usage, because it will tell if prices have gone up or down in a certain area. Shoppers are most likely to be guided in prioritizing their household needs.
 
In reviewing the Price Monitors, please be guided accordingly:
 
BASIC COMMODITIES include: canned fish, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent bar, salt, candles, and bread.
 
PRIME COMMODITIES include: processed and canned pork, processed and canned beef, toilet soap, fish sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, noodles, batteries, and matches.


Business Name Registration
A business name is a name used in business transactions other than true names of persons and / or judicial entities. Business Name Registration is one of the major frontline services that DTI-NCR handles. It regulates the requirements and procedures needed in registering a business name.
 
There is a need to register business names to protect both the consumers and business owners. The process is able to identify the name and address of the establishment, and the identity of the owner. Thus, consumers are assured of fair trade transactions because they are provided with the mechanism to trace essential information on the firm and its owner. Likewise, business name registration protects business name owners because it entitles them to the exclusive use of the business name that they have chosen.
 
What Cannot be Registered
 
There are business names which cannot be registered with DTI:
  1. Similar or confusingly similar with a registered business name
  2. Prior registered names with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
  3. Immoral sounding
  4. Words which are scandalous, immoral and illegal in nature
  5. Names used by the government in its official non-proprietary functions
  6. The words: Company, Limited, Associates, Sons, Groups, Philippines, nation, state, barangay, Metro Manila, Philippines International, CALABARZON, and ASEAN, etc.
  7. Bargain, Discount or similar words
  8. Full name of another person (except when it is part of a duly registered business name, sells or transfers the business name)
  9. Names of any nation, intergovernmental or international organization unless authorized by the competent authority of such (UN, UNESCO, etc.)
  10. Names which misinterpret the nature of the business
  11. Generic terms
  12. Names, words, terms or expressions suggestive of quality of any class of goods, articles, merchandise, or service
  13. The word Industry (except when engaged in manufacturing, processing, and farming)