Monday, May 07, 2007 22 establishments to receive 'Seal of Excellence'
AT least 22 retail establishments in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao are set receive the prestigious Seal of Excellence award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for "upholding consumer rights and ethical business practices."
Ibrahim Guiamadel, DTI 12 director, said the department's regional certification committee for the DTI-certified program will also declare the 22 retail stores, the names of which would be announced on May 18, as new DTI-certified establishments in the region.
"We are giving due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business to ensure that consumers indeed get the right value for their money," he said.
Of the 22 awardees, Guimadel said one establishment will receive the Silver Seal of Excellence award while the 21 others will be bestowed with the Bronze Seals of Excellence.
Under the program, a business establishment may get a bronze award if they continually comply with the provisions of trade and industry laws and able to maintain consumer welfare desks or DTI-recognized customer service counters.
A store may qualify for the silver award if they have taken further steps to institutionalize social responsibility in their operations aside from just complying with the provisions of consumer laws and related policies.
Guiamadel said the program is part of their regular monitoring and evaluation on the operations of retail establishments such as supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops in Region 12.
The region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranganu, Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Cotabato, Koronadal and Tacurong.
"We have institutionalized this program in our region. Each year, we are giving these awards to those who promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence," he said.
Last year, Guiamadel said they awarded 15 business establishments in the area with the Bronze Seals of Excellence.
In October, he said they are planning to award more deserving retail stores as part of the celebration of the consumer welfare month. (Allen V. Estabillo)
