DTI urges public to use only certified construction materials

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterated yesterday its advice to the public to use only certified construction materials and electrical devices for homes, offices, schools and other structures to minimize damage resulting from earthquakes.

According to Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila, "natural disasters such as earthquakes cannot be prevented. However, we can avoid massive damage to property and loss of lives if we ensure that public structures are well-built, not only in terms of location, design or construction, but in the quality of materials used."

Favila said certified construction materials and electrical devices comply with quality and safety standards, ensuring their reliability in protecting consumers against hazardous incidents.

Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Cuison Maglaya reiterated her warning to the public that buildings face a greater risk of collapse when substandard construction materials are used.

"Moreover, shoddy electrical devices may fail during an emergency, resulting to further damage. If a circuit breaker does not work at the time of an earthquake, electrical malfunction can easily occur and lead to fire," Maglaya said.

To curtail the proliferation of unsafe products in the market, the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) regularly monitors the market for traders and retailers possibly selling uncertified goods to the public.

In its recent enforcement activities, the DTI confiscated 6,477 pieces of uncertified electrical devices and unmarked steel bars worth nearly P500,000 from four hardware stores in Cavite.

The seized products, which were brought to DTI’s warehouse for safekeeping, consist of 5,000 pieces of steel bars, and 1,477 pieces of electrical devices such as circuit breakers, switches, outlets, lamp holders and fuse.

BPS Director Jesus L. Motoomull said that the goods did not have the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark, indicating that they did not undergo proper tests required by the DTI, thus making the sale of these products unlawful.

Motoomull said four establishments are now facing administrative penalties for violation of Republic Act 4109 (Standardization Law) and Section 6 of Department Administrative Order 2 Series of 2002, which includes a basic administrative fine of P25,000 per violation.