Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 awarded 35 business estabishments in Northern Mindanao with the Bagwis Awards for upholding consumer rights during the Regional Bagwis Awarding 2024 on October 9, 2024 at Chali Resort & Conference Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

The DTI Bagwis Program gives due recognition to supermarkets, department stores and specialty stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, and DTI accredited service and repair shops that have been upholding the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business where consumers get the best value for money.

The awards are given in three categories: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Bagwis Award-Bronze is given to establishments that comply to the Fair Trade Laws and have establsihed a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) or an equivalent customer service office.

Bagwis Award-Silver is for establishments that meet the Bronze criteria and additionally demonstrated efforts on social responsibility.

Meanwhile, Bagwis Award-Gold is awarded to establishments that meet the criteria for Silver and have ISO certification.

During the DTI-10 Regional Bagwis Awarding 2024, 21 establishments were awarded with Bronze, 11 awarded with Silver, and three awarded with Gold.

Ten of the awardees are from Bukidnon, one from Camiguin, six from Lanao del Norte, sixe from Misamis Occidental, and 12 from Misamis Oriental.

DTI-10 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Almer Masillones congratulated the awarded business establishments and highlighted the role of the business sector in strengthening consumer protection during her opening message.

“While we continue to advocate for consumers to assert their rights, it is equally important for businesses to acknowledge and uphold these consumer rights.” Masillones said.

“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility; and we believe that businesses play a vital role in safeguarding the best interest of the buying public.”

The Regional Bagwis Awards 2024 is organized in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month 2024. ♦

Date of Release: 11 October 2024