BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- Consumers are king, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) affirmed, which is why they recently awarded the most buyer-friendly and price-conscious business establishments in Bataan.
“We aim to ensure that quality and safe goods, products, services at affordable prices are available at DTI-certified establishments,” DTI-Bataan OIC Nelin Cabahug said during the austere awarding ceremony held in their office on May 19.
This year, seven stores in the province were conferred with the DTI Bagwis Award.
Pandayan Bookshop-Dinalupihan was the lone recipient of the highest citation, the Bagwis Gold. It received a plaque with imprinted gold wing which signifies durability and safety of all products sold, and the value for consumers’ money.
The other six obtained the Bagwis Silver Award: Mariveles Trading, Oman Hardware, Puregold Balanga, Puregold Dinalupihan, RBC Hardware, and Rolan and Tes Store.
They each received a plaque with silver wing which stretched feathers depict readiness to fly in competitive market and provide a higher quality service.
No business establishment won the Bagwis Bronze for this year.
Ma. Concepcion Sanico, chief of DTI-Bataan’s Consumer Protection Division, said supermarkets, department/specialty stores, hardware stores, appliance centers, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops must practice honest business to win consumers as well as the Bagwis award.
“Consumers are king, that is why the awards program aims to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business,” she said.
Stores must comply with five factors to achieve the recognition.
Under Compliance with Fair Trade Laws, they must impose reasonable prices and obey with the provisions of the No Return, No Exchange Policy. In Customer Relations, a presentable consumer welfare office must be available.
Other factors include Store Management, Socially-committed and Responsible Business Sector, and ISO 9001 Compliant. (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)