BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews/23 May) — Offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in provinces and cities including key towns in Caraga region have mobilized its personnel to closely monitor the prices of school supplies including “fake” and “mislabeled” products to protect consumers’ rights as classes resume in June.
Earlier, the DTI’s regional office here had reportedly activated its provincial and city task forces to inspect malls and school supplies stores in six cities and key towns in provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur
Caraga DTI Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagarsan encouraged parents to be more meticulous in detecting mislabeled school supplies and other related school materials to assure quality and durability.
“Our parents must be watchful to ensure and assure quality, safe use and to get the best value for their money,” Pagaran told reporters here.
Pagaran also cautioned parents not to rush into buying fake or imitation products that are cheap. He said “our parents and even our students must help in checking for labels such as the brand or trade mark and name.” .
The DTI regional director said consumers must know the product, manufacturer’s address, country of manufacture, net quantity and toxicity warning.
“Our parents and even students must immediately report to the nearest DTI office any suspicious item, so that action will be immediately served,” he said
Pagarsan warned store owners that those found not conforming to the minimum labeling requirements face administrative or even criminal charges which include a maximum fine of Php 300,000 per violation.
Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers are liable to consumers for injuries caused by defective and unsafe products as well as for the insufficient or inadequate information on the use of certain products and the hazards they pose. (Alden Pantaleon/Mindanews)