THIRTY-ONE retail establishments in Cebu have received the Gold Bagwis Award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for 2024, the highest distinction under the agency’s flagship consumer protection and business ethics recognition program.
The Bagwis Award, conferred annually by the DTI, honors retail businesses that uphold consumer rights, comply with trade and consumer laws and demonstrate responsible business practices. It promotes a marketplace where consumers receive fair value for their money while encouraging the private sector to prioritize ethical conduct. The recognition was held Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites in Cebu City.
Cebu now has a total of 98 valid and active Gold Bagwis awardees, reflecting the province’s sustained commitment to responsible commerce.
Among the notable awardees for 2024 are multiple Robinsons Supermarket branches across Cebu, Colonnade Supermarket, Abenson Gmall of Cebu, Automatic Centre Ayala and a host of 7-Eleven branches across southern Cebu, including in Argao, Badian, Talisay and Barili. Also recognized were Jiga Mags and Tires branches in Mandaue and Mactan for their excellence in service and repair operations.
Each awardee passed a rigorous assessment process by the National Bagwis Committee, evaluating businesses on criteria such as compliance with consumer laws, quality assurance systems, customer service, store management and social responsibility.
Convenience store giant 7-Eleven led the new awardees with over a dozen branches recognized for the first time. Appliance retailers Abenson and Automatic Centre also joined the roster of companies praised for offering quality products with consumer protection in mind.
The DTI noted that Bagwis awardees serve as benchmarks of ethical commerce, fostering public trust and long-term customer loyalty. The initiative forms part of the agency’s broader efforts to institutionalize consumer welfare across the retail sector while promoting inclusive business growth.
Chamber’s support
Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Jay Yuvallos lauded the awardees for “building not just profit, but purpose.” In his keynote message, Yuvallos emphasized that while regulatory compliance may often go unnoticed, business integrity creates enduring value and trust.
Yuvallos also reiterated the chamber’s support for responsible enterprise through its Lead A-Must agenda, which fosters partnerships across key development areas including the academe, Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions), utilities, sustainability and transport.
The DTI encourages more businesses to align their operations with the Bagwis framework to help build a stronger, more consumer-centric marketplace in the Philippines. / KOC