The Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) held a three-day Diskwento Caravan from 14-16 October at the DTI Head Office Parking Lot in Makati City as part of its celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this year.
Dubbed as “Diskwento Caravan: Observing Social Discounting @ DTI”, the conduct thereof aimed to continuously provide goods to the public at discounted prices especially during the pandemic, and at the same time to raise consumer awareness on products under the basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) categories, and on products covered in the mandatory certification.
Through the joint efforts of the DTI-CPG’s Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) and Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), the three-day caravan was participated in by the following manufacturers as exhibitors: San Miguel Foods (Purefoods and Magnolia), Mega Global Corporation, Coca-Cola Beverages Phils. Inc., Alaska Milk Corporation, NutriAsia, Inc, Mayora Philippines (Kopiko), Nestle Philippines (Optimized Customer Solutions, Inc.), Century Pacific Food, Inc, Gardenia Bakeries Phils., Inc., Cordillera Farmers, Wellmade Manufacturing Corp., Cherenz Global Manufacturing, 4A Helmet Asia Manufacturing, Bostanten, and Leo Tire Manufacturing Corporation.
Atty. Marimel D. Porciuncula, DTI-CPAB Officer-in-Charge Director underscores, “It is important to reiterate to the public, especially consumers that the DTI closely monitors the movement of price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities not only during emergency situations, but also during regular days.”
In addition, DTI-BPS Director Neil P. Catajay points out, “Part of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration is the annual National Standards Week on 08-14 October, in cognizance of the World Standards Day every 14th of October. He further emphasizes the relevance of standards on product quality and safety to consumers at this time of emergency brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In the CWM Diskwento Caravan, the manufacturers offered their products to the buying public at discounted prices.
DTI-CPG Undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo asserts, “The DTI-CPG recognizes its partnership with the manufacturers of BNPCs and certified products for providing their products for selling at very affordable prices”.
The BNPCs in the CWM Diskwento Caravan include among others, canned beef, canned sardines, hotdog, dressed chicken, powdered milk, coffee, condiments, assorted bread, fresh vegetables, pasta, tomato sauce, and fruit cocktail.
The CWM Diskwento Caravan also showcased kitchen appliances, motorcycle helmets, and rubber inner tubes with the Philippine Standard (PS) or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC).
The DTI reminded those who visited the three-day bazaar to always wear their face masks and face shields; practice physical distancing; to bring eco-bags to minimize plastic wastes; and to observe proper waste disposal during the event. The DTI enjoined the manufacturers and distributors to likewise comply with the said minimum health protocols to ensure the safety of the staff and buyers.
From February 2020 up to this date, the CPAB has conducted a total of 64 Diskwento Caravans in different barangays located in the National Capital Region and Region 4A. The DTI’s conduct of the Diskwento Caravan is in collaboration with the Local Government Units and manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities.
The public is advised to like and follow the DTI Consumer Care Facebook page to get the latest updates and schedule of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration.♦
Date of Release: 20 October 2020