DTI secures quake victims’ access to affordable goods

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started its "Diskwento Caravan" yesterday in Loon, Bohol, making basic necessities affordable to the victims of the recent earthquake on the island province.

DTI, through the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP), has invited manufacturers and retailers of basic necessities and prime commodities to join the activity.

Products being offered at the caravan include canned goods, laundry soaps, bath soaps, shampoos, coffee, creamers, milk, noodles, rice, biscuits, eggs, dressed chicken and cleansing agents.

The Alturas Group of Companies, Bohol Quality Corporation and AH Shoppers' Mart are some of the participating retailers, while the National Food Authority (NFA) will be there to sell NFA rice to consumers.

"It is important for the DTI to conduct Diskwento Caravan in Bohol in view of the calamity that hit the province. The Department ensures that their local consumers will have access to essential goods in the midst of the crisis they are facing," said DTI-Consumer welfare and business regulations group (CWBRG) officer-in-charge and BTRCP director Victorio A. Dimagiba.

"Local suppliers in Region VII are very supportive of DTI's initiatives. They assured us that they will join in the conduct of Diskwento Caravan in Bohol," DTI-Region VII Regional Director Asteria C. Caberte added.

In addition to the Diskwento Caravan in Loon, similar event will also be conducted in Antequera on October 27 (Sunday) and Maribojoc on October 29 (Tuesday).

The Diskwento Caravan is a project of the DTI where basic necessities and prime commodities are sold at discounted prices. The project upholds the right of consumers to have access to basic goods, especially those belonging to marginalized communities.

Moreover, the project motivates the business sector to participate in the programs of the government and to support its advocacy. —/JMD (FREEMAN)