After the implementation of the DTI Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 20-44 Series of 2020 in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo, together with the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Ronnel O. Abrenica, conducts special inspection on additional business establishments allowed to re-open on 02 September 2020 at Taguig City.
Business establishments under the said MC include testing, tutorial, and review centers; gyms, fitness centers and sport facilities but limited to individual workouts only; internet cafes but subject to the approval of its Local Government Units (LGUs); dermatological services, other personal services; pet grooming; and drive-in cinemas. This is in view of the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the re-categorization of the said businesses from Category IV to III effective September 1, 2020.
While DTI’s monitoring and enforcement teams regularly inspect health protocols in the country, Undersecretary Castelo made sure that through her on-the-spot inspections consumers would build their confidence and go back to patronizing these establishments, knowing that they are complying with the health protocols.
Subsequently, DTI reported that the special monitoring conducted in Taguig includes pet and personal grooming services, barbershop/salons, and fitness center – which are all compliant with its respective mandatory health protocols.
“We urge consumers to also provide the right information in their health declaration form provided by the establishments because this is very essential in contact tracing,” said Undersecretary Castelo.
Meanwhile, as to extension of operational services from the current 30%, Undersecretary Castelo anticipates that when we have enough consumer confidence based on high compliance ratings of the establishments, Secretary Lopez can recommend to the IATF to eventually increase operational capacity up to 50%, just like what we did with salons, barbershops and dine-in establishments.
Further, through the DTI – FTEB and Regional/Provincial offices, regular nationwide monitoring of health protocols will help the establishments practice compliance under the new normal scheme.
For more information, consumers may visit the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph or may call Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph for questions and or clarifications.♦
Date of Release: 3 September 2020