THE OFFICE of the Vice Mayor and the Department of Trade and Industry XI launched the Ronda Palengke project on Friday, March 15, to protect consumer rights.
Eight weighing scales were distributed to market supervisors in Agdao, Bankerohan, Calinan, and Toril public markets at the New Agdao Public Market.
As part of the launch, at least 20 vendors also underwent a lecture from the DTI XI Consumer Protection Division on consumer and merchant’s rights.
The DTI and the vice mayor donated four weighing scales each, which will be placed in strategic areas where buyers can check the accuracy of the food they purchased.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain said, “If you have a business, the only way that customers will be attracted to buy is to make sure you do sound and fair practices. We do good service to our clients and in return, they will recommend us to others, which, in turn, will increase our sales.”
The official added the launching aligned with World Consumer Rights Day celebrated every March 15.
Rachel Remitio, DTI XI city director, said although the project is similar to the nationwide program Timbangan ng Bayan, the city is the first in the region to localize it.
“This is to supplement what was provided in the past so we localize the previous program, hopefully, if there are additional funds, we can duplicate it to the other cities and provinces,“ Remitio said in a sideline interview.
The weighing scales are digital and calibrated by the Department of Science and Technology to ensure accuracy. Market supervisors are responsible for the regular monitoring and safekeeping of the scales.
The official said the project is adhering to the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines which states that it is the policy of the State to protect the consumers’ interests, promote the general welfare, and establish standards of business and industry conduct.
Shortly after the launch, the vice mayor and DTI XI representatives conducted an ambush inspection of the weighing scales used by the vendors in the New Agdao Public Market.
Myrna, owner of Ben and Myrna Meat Shop, said the additional weighing scale is a big help for the consumers to get the best value for their money. For his part, Quitain lauded Myrna for the accuracy of her traditional weighing scale.
The public is advised to report cases of deceptive sales practices to the market supervisor.
