Leonard Flores, consumer welfare division chief of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 12, said they have partnered anew with the Department of Labor and Employment to bring back the “Diskwento Caravan” program in the region.
The caravan, which was a big hit during its debut in the area late last year, aims to improve access of consumers to cheaper and quality goods in the wake of the continuing economic crisis.
The “Diskwento Caravan” will showcase manufacturers, wholesalers, merchandisers and retailers in one venue, where they would sell various consumer products at much cheaper prices compared to regular mall or market prices.
Flores said they will launch the caravan on May 18 to 19 at the Protech Center in Koronadal City and will move it next to the cities of General Santos, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Alabel town in Sarangani.
Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General, Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Tacurong and Cotabato.
“We’re planning to make a much bigger caravan and introduce a wider selection of consumer goods to allow more consumers to benefit from the cheaper prices,” he said in a radio interview.
Flores said they have invited manufacturers from Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao to take part in the caravan.
During its launching last year, only local department stores, shopping malls and other retailers and wholesalers joined the caravan.
“This time, we want to showcase not only basic and prime commodities but also some RTWs (ready-to-wear),” he said.
He said the caravan will be open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm to allow workers of government and private offices to visit the venue even after their regular office hours.
Flores said they decided to hold anew the caravan following the positive response they generated from local consumers, especially the low-income earners.
He added that for this year they are targeting to double last year’s sales receipts of close to P200,000 from the caravan. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)
