DTI 11 to award 18 Bagwis Gold Seals

THE Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI 11) is set to award 18 Bagwis Award Gold Seals to qualified business establishments in the region.

The recipients of the gold seals are the Gaisano Grand Mall (Tagum, Davao del Norte), Pinnacle Appliance, Inc. (Tagum, Davao del Norte) and 16 LTS Retail Specialists, Inc. (NCCC Supermarket) branches in Davao City, namely: Panacan, Cabantian, Centerpoint, Maa, Calinan, Main Magsaysay, Talomo, Bajada, Nova Tierra, Damosa, Landmark, Woodlane, Bolton, Catalunan Grande, NHA Buhangin and San Pedro.

The DTI Bagwis Award is a recognition program for business establishments that engage in fair trade business ethics and uphold consumers’ interest by embedding consumer protection at the core of their business operations. The establishment of a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD), among others, is a basic requirement to be considered for the program.

The award is classified into bronze, silver and gold. For the bronze seal, establishments must comply with Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) such as the Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag and install the Consumer Welfare Desks. The silver seal, on the other hand, involves additional criteria to meet such as compliance with social responsibilities that include sound purchasing policy, good working relationship with the government by participating in the national or local government programs such as price stabilization and livelihood programs. For the gold seal, establishments must meet the additional requirement of ISO 9001/ Quality Management System (QMS) compliance.

The Bagwis Awards covers business establishments under the following categories: supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers, and DTI accredited service and repair shops.

In screening the Bagwis applications, DTI 11 partners with the Consumer Action for a Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle (CASH-L) Network, Inc., Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and Davao City LGU-Business Bureau.

DTI Bagwis program aims to foster balance between engaging in business and safeguarding the welfare of consumers and promotes a healthy competition among establishments to ensure that the welfare of consumers is constantly safeguarded. DTI11/LTC/jmm