DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo and Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro discuss the schedule of Diskwento Caravan and the implementation of the price ceiling on pork and chicken in the city.

The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) continues its conduct of the Diskwento Caravan to provide affordable basic goods and other low-cost products to the public amidst the pandemic.

The Diskwento Caravan (DC) is a DTI initiative that aims to provide reasonably-priced quality products to the consuming public. The program is in partnership with the manufacturers and distributors of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) and the local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region.

Last year, the DTI successfully organized 39 caravans that benefited 13,388 households in 82 Barangays located in NCR and CALABARZON.  Two caravans were conducted in Marikina City. This year, the CPAB is set to conduct at least two Diskwento Caravans per week in cooperation with the LGUs and the manufacturers of BNPCs.

Aside from the Diskwento Caravan, the DTI holds the Kadiwa Diskwento Karavan (KDK), a joint program of the DTI’s Diskwento Caravan and the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita wherein manufactured goods and fresh vegetables, fruits, agricultural-products are available at discounted prices for the consumers.

The CPAB was able to conduct six Diskwento Caravan and three Kadiwa Diskwento Karavan since January, benefitting a total of 1,975 and 571 household beneficiaries, respectively. During the conduct of the caravans, the LGU strictly implemented physical distancing and the exhibitors ensured the availability of alcohol in their respective booths.

“The DTI invites the public to visit the caravans scheduled in their areas to buy more goods with their hard-earned money. The DTI, DA, and LGUs are in strong partnership to bring BNPCs at discounted prices closer to the homes of the consumers,” says DTI Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo.

Undersecretary Castelo adds, “The Department extends its appreciation to the commitment of the manufacturers of BNPCs to continuously provide their products at discounted prices which are much lower than the suggested retail price.”

To check the schedule of the caravans and other updates, consumers are advised to like and follow the DTI Consumer Care social media accounts. ♦

Date of Release: 23 February 2021