DTI pitches for locally made food products for ‘Noche Buena’ feast
TRADE Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual is urging consumers to buy local products as he shared some money saving tips for Filipino consumers this Christmas season.
Among the five tips that the trade chief provided to Filipinos was to get good deals amid rising prices for the “Noche Buena” feast was to stick and patronize trade fairs offering local products.
“Visit and participate in the Kadiwa ng Pasko [KNP] Trade Fairs, which aim to provide cheap and affordable agricultural products such as rice, sugar, vegetables, fruits, fresh meat products [pork, beef and chicken], fish and other seafood products, coffee, processed milk, instant noodles, condiments, local bags and footwear,” Pascual said.
The trade chief stressed that by shopping at Kadiwa ng Pasko Centers, “you are also supporting our local farmers, fishermen, manufacturers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises [MSMES].”
Moreover, Pascual bared the schedule of the Kadiwa ng Pasko (KNP) trade fairs where, he said, producers and manufacturers will be selling “essential foods” at low prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) as well as across different regions.
Pascual said this project was adopted from the original Kadiwa program in the 1980s, which he said was a farm-to-market supply chain and food distribution program that benefited low-income families.
“These rolling stones will help many consumers buy basic necessities like food products at lower prices, so keep an eye on the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] Consumer Care Facebook page for the updated schedules of Kadiwa ng Pasko Trade Fairs and Rolling Stores Caravans which will be sustained until 2023,” Pascual stressed.
Aside from the KNP trade fairs, Pascual called on Filipinos to patronize the Diskwento Caravan. He said this is still being conducted nationwide to bring “quality BNPCS [basic necessities and prime commodities] to consumers at a lower cost.”
The Diskwento Caravan is an initiative by the DTI, in partnership with manufacturers and retailers of BNPCS. Through this initiative, Pascual said producers and manufacturers can sell agricultural and manufactured BNPCS directly to consumers at a lower price.
According to Pascual, this initiative lowers prices by 10 percent up to 15 percent from the Suggested Retail Price (SRP).
Meanwhile, Pascual also shared other tips, which can help Filipinos decide on purchasing products during the Noche Buena season. He said, “It is important to keep track of your budget, spending habits, and know where to look for the best deals.”
The trade chief recommended to “planning what you will purchase ahead of time.” Under this tip, Pascual suggested preparing a budget before shopping. Specifically, he said, the consumer may assess his or her purchasing power, especially amid the Christmas season to avoid overspending.
He said it’s also important to make a list “of all your holiday commitments, including gifts, decorations, and travel.”
Another tip Pascual provided is to “take advantage of the holiday season’s sales, promos, and discounts.” The trade chief said consumers might take into consideration selecting groceries and supermarkets that usually offer promos, discounts and sales during the holiday season.
He added, “Taking advantage of this will help you save up and even acquire cashback offers.”
The trade chief also recommended to consumers to use the DTI’S SRP bulletin and Noche Buena price guide published on the DTI web site “to help you find the best value for money.”
Pascual noted that there are brands in the said price bulletin and price guide that are “cheaper and more affordable to meet your budget and needs.”
On November 23, the DTI released a price guide for Noche Buena products. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/11/23/dti-releases-price-guide-fornoche-buena-products/)