DTI-CE launched for consumer welfare, protection
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched a program dubbed as DTI-Certified Establishment (DTI-CE) program. In Iloilo City, only one corporation which owns a chain of supermarkets in Iloilo City has applied for the certified establishment program.
DTI Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said the DTI-CE is a nationwide program which was conceptualized for "consumers protection and welfare". It is a yearly activity with focus on "establishments facilities and better customer service."
Cadena said though the project is not mandatory but it is as important and far different from groups which gives marketing excellence award or product excellence award to any establishment or product. This is a government consumer welfare related undertaking.
The DTI-CE program aims to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business. The same program encourage each establishment to set up a sustainable Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) or a DTI recognized customer service counter. The CWD will provide information to consumers and serves as mechanisms for immediate resolution of consumers complaint.
The objective of the DTI-CE is to promote and foster highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence. Under the program, business establishments are classified into five categories. Category 1 caters to supermarkets, category 2 - department stores, category 3 - appliance centers, category 4 - hardware stores and category 5 - service and repair shops. All retail establishments, supermarkets, department stores and service and repair shops may apply for the certification.
There are three levels of certification or awards to become a DTI-CE. They have the bronze, silver and gold. In bronze category, the establishment must comply to Fair Trade Law such as Consumer Act, Price Act, Price Tag Law and Philippine Standard/Import Commodity Clearance Law. They must also have a CWD.
An establishment which aspires for a silver seal or accreditation must comply with the requirements set forth in the bronze level category and must have social responsibility. For the gold applicant, they must comply with the requirements set in the silver category and must comply with some elements under the Quality Management System (ISO 9001).
Cadena said an establishment which has already a DTI-CE seal has an edge against its competitors. The establishment has passed all the standards and complied with the DTI's rules and regulations in promoting business activity.
The customers will be the one to make it mandatory to the buyers as buyers will prefer or look for a commercial establishment with DTI-CE seal to buy their needed goods and services. The DTI-CE seal, however is not a guarantee that the store sells at lower price.