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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
DTI launches CE program to ensure fair, honest trade
To promote the highest level of business ethics and uphold fair and honest marketplace among business establishments, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched yesterday its Certified Establishment (CE) Program.
The DTI-CE program aims to prod businesses to adopt a self-policing mechanism that supports consumers’ rights, ensure compliance to policies like the Fair Trade Laws and Consumer Act, and the set up a consumer welfare desk “for speedy resolution of consumer complaints.”
“When these businesses are certified by DTI with the help of the private sector, then (they) will behave and make sure they deliver the right quality; and no consumer will be cheated,” said DTI undersecretary for the consumer welfare and trade regulation group Zenaida Maglaya during the launch held at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
Partners
DTI partnered with Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Hardware Consolidated Inc., Phil Electrical Suppliers Association, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu chapter, to ensure the project’s “sustainability and efficiency.”
According to Maglaya, the industry organizations will “police” their members to make sure they “uphold proper business ethics.”
During the launch, the DTI unveiled the CE seal, which represents “value for money” in products sold by certified establishments.
CCCI president Francis Monera said the program is a “worthy endeavor.” He challenges the Cebu business community “to come up with as many DTI-accredited establishments as possible.”
Business establishments that “play the game fairly” will be granted the CE seal, which has to be displayed in a conspicuous area in a store. But the seal and the certification can be revoked when the establishments are found violating the Fair Trade Law.
Recognition
Awarded establishments will also be given due recognition through various awards depending on their achievements.
The bronze is given to those that comply with Fair Trade Laws and establish a consumer welfare desk.
A silver certification is for those that implement social responsibility measures, aside from complying with the law and welfare desk.
A gold certification is granted for those that are not only able to comply with the law, but also obtain certain elements of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
An ISO 9001 certification signifies compliance to international standards for quality service while an ISO 14001 refers to adherence to a set of guidelines for the implementation of an environmental management system.
Maglaya said the DTI is targeting 100 gold and 1,000 bronze and silver awardees nationwide by the end of the year.
Retail establishments like supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops are invited to join the program and submit necessary documents to the nearest DTI provincial office. (MMM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 23, 2006 issue)
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