PALO, Leyte — The Department of Trade and Industry has recently conducted its 2024 Bagwis Awarding Ceremony, honoring 10 businesses that protect consumer rights and offer great value. The program also promotes the establishment of Consumer Welfare Desks or Relations Offices to expedite complaint resolution.
The Bagwis Award Program has three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Five establishments were awarded the Bronze Seal during the Regional Bagwis Committee Screening: Puregold Price Club Inc. in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Puregold Price Club Inc. in Calbayog City, Samar; J & F Department Store in Dolores, Eastern Samar; J & F Department Store in Naval, Biliran; and Auto Tech Car Care Services in Catarman, Northern Samar.
This seal signifies compliance with Fair Trade Laws and establishing a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) or a similar customer relations office within the mall.
Three establishments received the Silver Seal for meeting the bronze criteria and demonstrating social responsibility: Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. in Maasin City, Southern Leyte; Robinsons Handyman Inc. in Catarman, Northern Samar; and Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. in Calbayog City, Samar.
Additionally, two establishments were awarded Bronze and Silver Awards, respectively, following the revalidation of their existing seals. These are RL Appliance Inc. in Ormoc City, Leyte, and National Tires and Service Center in Maasin City, Leyte.
The Bagwis Seal signifies to consumers that participating establishments prioritize ethical business practices. This includes offering quality products at reasonable prices and providing proactive customer assistance.
Establishments eligible to join the Bagwis program include supermarkets, department stores, specialty shops, appliance centers, hardware stores, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops. They can apply for the program by seeking endorsement or directly applying through the DTI Regional Office.
The awarding ceremony also acknowledged partners for their support in upholding consumer rights and responsibilities and promoting ethical business practices.
Business permit licensing officers Joel E. Mendoza from Ormoc City and Kristine D. Mangalindan from Naval, Biliran, attended the event. Maria Cristina Rivera represented the local government unit of Dolores, Eastern Samar.
Meanwhile, local government units and their respective business permit licensing offices received recognition for their contributions. The LGUs honored included Ormoc City, Maasin City, Naval, Calbayog City, Guiuan, Dolores, and Catarman. These municipalities’ local chambers of commerce and consumer organizations were also acknowledged.
LGUs, chambers of commerce, and consumer organizations can endorse and encourage qualified establishments to apply for the program. Potential awardees are encouraged to participate in the Department’s active consumer advocacy initiatives, such as forums and seminars.
(AAC with reports from Anthea Aivi Borbon-Ancheta, DTI-8 Information Officer)
