Ms. Preciosa A. Maglaya, CTIDS of CPD of DTI Nueva Vizcaya, inspects the markings of helmet products displayed in a store in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; with her is Mr. Roel P. Dolaypan Jr., STIDS of DTI Nueva Vizcaya.

Bayombong – In line with R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of the Philippines, the Provincial Monitoring and Enforcement Team (PMET) of DTI – Nueva Vizcaya conducted monitoring and enforcement in the municipalities of Solano, Bayombong and Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya on October 2-4, 2017.

The monitoring team composed of Ms. Preciosa A. Maglaya, Team Leader, and members, Mr. Roel P. Dolaypan, member, Mr. Joel S. Sena-key, and Mr. Arjay P. Movida monitored 21 establishments. Notably, there were no violation from the said establishments on the Philippine National Standards on Motorcycle Helmets.

The motorcycle helmet is one of the mandatory products required under the BPS Product Certification Scheme. Under the said scheme, local manufacturers and importers of helmets must apply for a Philippine Standard (PS) license and an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate, before their products are sold to the public.

An establishment found selling or distributing uncertified products (i.e. helmets) is in violation of the Republic Act (R.A.) 4109 or the product standards law, DTI Department Orders 04 and 05: 2008 with the administrative sanctions of a penalty up to PhP300,000.00, a cease and decease order and cancellation of business name registration issued by the DTI.

The team also inspected mufflers in some stores in pursuance of the local legislation of noisy mufflers in the province. The result of the monitoring came out positive since none of the establishments sells unauthorized mufflers.

“This activity is part of our stricter monitoring and enforcement program to ensure that only motorcycle helmets that passed the Philippine Product Standards and with the PS mark and ICC sticker are allowed in the market”, said Ms. Maglaya.

OIC PD Conel said, “DTI Nueva Vizcaya asserts motorcycle riders’ right to safety by assuring that all helmets sold in the market comply with product safety standards. By doing this, we are protecting consumers, one of our mandate.”

DTI – Nueva Vizcaya has lined up various activities for this Consumer Month such as Business Education Campaigns, Consumer Education Campaigns and Advocacies to schools to further promote consumer protection and business ethics.♦