DTI-1 OIC Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan along with OIC Provincial Director Merlie D. Membrere led the Monitoring and Enforcement Team at San Fernando City, La Union.

San Fernando City, La Union- The Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 (DTI-1) thru the Consumer Protection Division Teams of the Regional and Provincial Offices conducted a simultaneous Monitoring and Enforcement on Product Standards on 5 July 2019. A total of twenty-eight (28) hardware and construction supply firms in the region were visited. One (1) has been issued Notice of Violation due to selling of uncertified products.

The monitoring teams inspected the weight and markings (logos) on the steel bars. Based on the Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007 in relation to Republic Act 4109 and as mandated by Philippine National Standards (PNS) requirements, all steel bars shall have a clearly embossed manufacturer’s identifying mark that is duly registered with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS). This marking shall be spaced at a distance not exceeding one meter from each other.

The distribution and sale of uncertified and substandard products that are under the DTI’s mandatory certification scheme is a prohibited act based on the Consumer Act of the Philippines. DTI encouraged the consumers to remain vigilant and to report immediately the presence of violative and substandard products in the market and any unconscionable sales act and practice of business establishments.

OIC Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan reminded hardware store owners and consumers on the importance of ensuring that the products they sell or buy are standards- conformant and government- certified to prevent possible hazards to the health and life of people.♦

Date of release: 6 July 2019