The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the DTI-Certified Establishment (DTI-CE) Program in Cebu in recognition of consumer friendly stores on August 22, 10:00 in the morning, at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
According to DTI 7 regional director Asteria Caberte, the DTI-CE program aims to engage businesses to adopt a self-policing mechanism designed to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace.
Caberte said this is in line with DTI's commitment to protect the consuming public from illegal trade practices by ensuring compliance of industries to Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) and other related policies, including the Consumer Act.
Trade Secretary Peter Favila mentioned, during a recent DTI-CE program kick-off in Makati City, that with this program, the DTI envisions a healthy market environment where the interest of both businesses and consumers are met and protected.
In his speech, Secretary Favila said "a legitimate businessman's true goal is to elevate the overall consumer experience in his society, by providing excellent products and services to meet a consumer need.
A healthy competition among his peers will drive him to excellence. And excellence brings consumer satisfaction."Jointly undertaken by the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation and the Regional Operations Groups of DTI, the program will be implemented with the support of eight non-government organizations --- the Phil. Retailers association, Phil. Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Phil. Association of Supermarkets, Inc., Phil. Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Philippine Industries, Philippine Product Quality and Safety Foundation, Inc. and National Association of Consumers Inc. and the special participation of the LOcal Government Units.
All retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores and DTI-accredited service and repair shops may apply for certification under the DTI-CE Program.
Caberte explained that deserving establishments will be awarded based on a graduated level of excellence: Bronze, for complying to Fair Trade Laws and Maintaining good customer relations through a Consumer Welfare Desk; Silver, for attaining Bronze requirements plus ensuring effective store management/ operations and adhering to social responsibility; and Gold, for attaining Silver requirements plus implementing some elements aligned to quality and environmental management systems in their operations.
They will be granted the "DTI-CE Seal" which should be displayed at the entrance of or in any conspicuous place within their store premises.
The said Seal represents value for money from products sold by these certified establishments.DTI undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Maglaya said businesses and consumers can reap multiple benefits from the DTI-CE Program.
"A certified establishment will be recognized by the public as one that adheres to best business practices and aims for full satisfaction from its clients. This makes for a good marketing tool which can result to greater customer turn-out, thus, more profit," Maglaya said."
Caberte explained that deserving establishments will be awarded based on a graduated level of excellence: Bronze, for complying to Fair Trade Laws and Maintaining good customer relations through a Consumer Welfare Desk; Silver, for attaining Bronze requirements plus ensuring effective store management/ operations and adhering to social responsibility; and Gold, for attaining Silver requirements plus implementing some elements aligned to quality and environmental management systems in their operations.
They will be granted the "DTI-CE Seal" which should be displayed at the entrance of or in any conspicuous place within their store premises.
The said Seal represents value for money from products sold by these certified establishments.DTI undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Maglaya said businesses and consumers can reap multiple benefits from the DTI-CE Program.
"A certified establishment will be recognized by the public as one that adheres to best business practices and aims for full satisfaction from its clients. This makes for a good marketing tool which can result to greater customer turn-out, thus, more profit," Maglaya said."
Consumers, on the other hand, will be able to identify stores that offer quality goods at reasonable prices and provide pleasing service, enabling them to make wise buying choices and get value for their money," she said.
Bureau of Trade Regulatory & Consumer Protection agency director Victorio Dimagiba also commented, "As certified stores strive to maintain their status, and their competitors similarly aim for certification, consumers would get more protection against unscrupulous retailers and perceive greater confidence in a market that upholds responsible business."
Bureau of Trade Regulatory & Consumer Protection agency director Victorio Dimagiba also commented, "As certified stores strive to maintain their status, and their competitors similarly aim for certification, consumers would get more protection against unscrupulous retailers and perceive greater confidence in a market that upholds responsible business."
Dimagiba added that since certified stores are already deemed self-regulating, the DTI can put greater focus on monitoring erring establishments. " At the same time, we gain more allies from the business sector in promoting consumer welfare," he said.
Applications may be submitted to the DTI Provincial Office where the concerned establishment is located. These will be processed and assessed by the Provincial Evaluation, Regional Certification and National Certification Committees, in that order, using a set of guidelines before a store is deemed certified and awarded the DTI-CE Seal.
The Seal may be revoked or withdrawn from the establishment when it is found selling uncertified and pirated goods and violating any applicable Fair Trade Law. This can only be restored after the store has undertaken corrective measures for at least one year or after the next awarding season.
Applications may be submitted to the DTI Provincial Office where the concerned establishment is located. These will be processed and assessed by the Provincial Evaluation, Regional Certification and National Certification Committees, in that order, using a set of guidelines before a store is deemed certified and awarded the DTI-CE Seal.
The Seal may be revoked or withdrawn from the establishment when it is found selling uncertified and pirated goods and violating any applicable Fair Trade Law. This can only be restored after the store has undertaken corrective measures for at least one year or after the next awarding season.
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