Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental recognized 20 establishments in the province through the Bagwis Program for their commitment to upholding consumer rights and fair-trade practices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bagwis Awards Bronze Seal was presented to four establishments; Silver Seal to 11 establishments; and Gold Seal to five establishments. “The Bagwis Award of DTI is really recognizing our local establishments (for) their promotion of fair-trade laws and for compliance with agency requirements, especially for product mandatory standards,” said Juliet Banogon, DTI-Negros Oriental provincial director. She further explained that for the Gold Award, establishments must comply with an additional layer involving the ISO standards, which are verified by the national office.

The Bronze Awardees included Imperial Applican Corp. (Dumaguete City), Legacy Home and Hardware Enterprises (Dumaguete City and Bayawan City), and Abenson Ventures, Inc. (Dumaguete City). The Silver Awardees were Vic Imperial Appliance Corp. (Bayawan City), Sharp Phils. Corp. (Dumaguete City), and multiple branches of RUSI Uypitching Sons, Inc. across various locations.

Among the Gold Awardees were LP Hypermart (Superstore Retail Corp.) in Dumaguete City, which received separate seals for its department store and grocery store, Lee Super Plaza 1 (Dumaguete City), Toyota Cebu City, Inc. in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, and Emcor Inc. (Bayawan City branch).

Banogon emphasized that the Bagwis Seals will be displayed at these establishments to inform the public of their compliance with DTI regulations and their commitment to consumer welfare. She also noted that a consumer welfare desk is a requirement for a Bagwis establishment to ensure that consumer needs and concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.