Mayor, DTI inspect local hardware shops

BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong joined Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel led by regional director Myrna Pablo and BaguioBenguet office head Freda Gawisan in the monitoring and inspection of three hardware establishments in the city last Wednesday.

Magalong said it is of utmost importance to ensure items sold at local hardware stores especially steel bars meet industry standards to assure the buying public that the products they purchase with their hard earned money are of good quality.

He explained the recent earthquake which hit several areas in the country recently revealed that the use of inferior construction materials contributed in the number of damaged structures.

Magalong disclosed reports have reached his office regarding several hardware establishments in the city allegedly selling inferior quality steel bars, whether knowingly or not, in their stores to the detriment of clients.

Pablo said that of the three hardware establishments inspected,

one was found to have steel bars that failed the standard quality test administered by the DTI on the spot and will immediately be cited with a notice of violation and meted penalties.

She joined the mayor in sealing the pile of steel bars weighing many kilos that were found to be of inferior quality as they advised the erring business establishment’s owner not to sell these until the appropriate legal process is followed.

Pablo said her office conducts monthly monitoring and inspection of local hardware stores and other establishments to ensure that their products are of good quality and meet industry standards and are cited with notices of violation and meted penalties if they do not comply.