Kalampusan

June 2015

Me

SEACCN is a network of cities, organizations, civic

groups and individuals in Southeast Asia that are actively involved in promoting creativity.
Since its launch, several joint activities have been organized, including seminars, public forums, and an art
and craft exhibition in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

A price freeze on basic commodities was issued by the

DTI after Cebu was declared under state of calamity.
Under the Price Act, the price freeze shall remain effective for the duration of the condition but not more
than 60 days.

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Asian Creative Cities

Network Forum

Bohol handicraft
manufacturer explores
ASEAN market

Shop Philippines
showcases local
products to APEC
visitors

Launch of Timbangan
ng Bayan Project

June 2015

Meanwhile, DTI started distributing weighing scales to

all municipalities and cities in the region under the
Timbangan ng Bayan project. This project aims to
protect consumers by monitoring the proper weight of
their purchased products through the weighing scales.

Cebu hosts Southeast

KALAMPUSAN

une glowed as Cebu hosted the 4th Southeast

Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN) Forum.

DTI Central Visayas Performance Magazine

In this issue:

Price freeze on basic

commodities in Cebu

Enabling Business Empowering Consumers

Kalampusan

June 2015

News Bite

Shop Philippines, a parallel activity to the recently concluded AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for
Trade Meetings in Boracay, showcased last May 10-25 an eclectic
mix of Filipino made artisanal products that appeal to visitors of the
island paradise.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Shop
Phlilippines took advantage of the spare time that the trade ministers, senior officials and their respective delegations had during
their stay in Boracay.
Exhibitors to the retail activity held at the Shangri-la Resort and
Spa included: Gawidan Farmers Association, Sarilikha Handicrafts, Jade de Mindoro, Tia Bernings Pili Candies & Handicraft
Store, La Hermina Pina Weaving Industry, Arden Classics Inc.,
Avatar Accessories Inc., Bon Ace Fashion Tools Inc., Bucarez
Food Processing Corp., Cyprea International Inc., Manoarts Corporation, Profood International Corp., Tubigon Loomweavers Multiipurpose, Delzas Native Products, Crystal Seas Handwoven and
Handcrafted, Yvettes Bags & Beads Collection and Mindanaos
Pearl Center.
In addition to highlighting the best of Filipino products, Shop Philippines reminded the local community and tourists of the island the
essence of the APEC meetings. Visitors attributed the success of
the trade event to the wide array of products offered that evoke
heritage, provenance, authenticity, quality, and uniqueness and
the vibrant setting of the shopping experience.

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June 2015

Activities in Photos

DTI Cebu conducted a Diskwento

Caravan in Dalaguete from May 30
to June 1.
The Diskwento Caravan is one of
the banner programs of the DTI that
aims to help consumers stretch
their budget through price discounts
offered by participating manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.
The Diskwento Caravqan in
Dalaguete was made possible with
the cooperation of the LGU in
Dalaguete, the National Food Authority and the business sector in
Cebu.

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June 2015

News Bites

Bohol Handicraft Manufacturer Explores ASEAN Market

Bohols Prime of Asia Handicraft joined the ASEAN SME
Showcase and Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 26 -28 this year
The Tubigon based firm was among those chosen by the
Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development
(BSMED) to participate in this marketing event.
Prime of Asia Handicraft showcased Bohol made products such as bags, purses, pouches, placemats, hot pads
and coasters made of coco shells, sea shells, canvass
cloth, raffia, abaca rope and wood.
The company is managed by Mr. & Mrs. Jessi Canilao and
staffed by fifteen (15) regular production workers and 2040 indirect workers who are mostly residents of Tubigon,
Bohol.

Safe household appliances: A Filipino Consumers Right

Part of the Department of Trade and Industrys (DTI) commitment to Filipino consumers is to assure that all products
that reach them are reliable, safe to use and at par with
global standards. With this, the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) under the DTI is tasked to safeguard product
safety standards and consumer welfare through its programs and services, such as the BPS Product Certification
Scheme.
Under this program, the DTI-BPS issues the Philippine
Standard (PS) license and the Import Commodity Clearance Certificate (ICC) to a manufacturer or importer of
products that are under the BPS list of Philippine National
Standards (PNS) for mandatory certification. Products covered by mandatory PNS include building and construction
materials, chemical products, electrical and electronic
home appliances and consumer products.
According to the DTIs Department Administrative Order
(DAO) Number 4: Series 2008, manufacturers shall apply
for a PS license under the BPS Product Certification
Scheme and satisfactorily meet the requirements of relevant PNS before they can use the PS mark on the products
that they distribute and sell in the local market.

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For importers on the other hand, the DTI-DAO 5:2008

requires importers to subject their import shipments to
DTI-BPS evaluation, sampling and testing procedures
based on relevant PNS prior to the release of their ICC
marked products in the local market.
The home appliances that are required to undergo the
BPS certification scheme are electric fans; flat irons;
kitchen machines such as blenders, microwave ovens,
rice cookers, airpots and coffee makers; refrigerators;
audio and video products such as TV sets and CD,VCD
and DVD players; toasters, electric stoves and hot
plates; washing machines and air conditioners.
The DTI-BPS Product Certification Scheme aims to protect the consumers from substandard and uncertified
manufactured products and import shipments. Such
scheme assures that products are consistently in accordance to the PNS. To make sure that the scheme is
strictly followed, the DTI-Regional and Operations Development Group (RODG) regularly monitors the local
market for non-complying products.
For the complete list of products and their brands that
bear the PS & ICC marks, visit www.bps.dti.gov.ph.
Source: http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph/

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June 2015
News Bite

Timbangan ng
Bayan Project in
Negros Oriental
DTI Negros Oriental held a project launch of the
"Timbangan Ng Bayan" on May 27 at Maluay, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.
Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Teves Sagarbarria, Zamboanguita Mayor Kit Marc Adanza and Sta. Catalina
Mayor Nathaniel Electona joined in the ceremonial acceptance of the Timbangan ng Bayan weighing scales
allocated to their respective areas.
The LGUs are grateful to DTI for such project and expressed their commitment to regularly calibrate the
weighing scales and ensure their proper use. The LGU
also committed to help protect consumers from unfair
and unconscionable sales acts and practices.
The Timbangan ng Bayan will provide the buying public
an effective means of checking the accuracy of the
weight and quantity of the goods they are buying, at
the same time discouraging dishonest vendors to commit any irregularities. The 10-kg capacity mechanical
hanging scale with calibration certificate is housed in a
painted, anti-rust cabinet type steel housing with tarpaulin signage and logo of DTI and the concerned municipality. With this project, each and every consumer
is given a Tamang Presyo, Tamang Timbang!.

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June 2015

Activities in Photos

(Photos above and directly below) DTI Siquijor, in cooperation with the Local Government Unit as well as retailers and manufacturers in the region, conducted a Diskwento Caravan in the province last May 22-23

(Photos directly below) An Arduino Wearables Workshop was held at the Fabrication Laboratory in Bohol. The activity featured the application
of arduino to the wearables technology. Participants were able to get in touch with their lily pads, led lights and the rest of the wearable electronic
kit, as well as conceptualize a prototype.

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June 2015

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June 2015

News Bite

The Department of Trade and Industry has implemented a price freeze on basic necessities

Caberte added.
The Price Act lists the basic necessities assigned to

after the Provincial Board declared a state of

DTI canned fish and other marine products, pro-

calamity in Cebu Province and Cebu City due to

cessed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent and

the El Nino phenomenon.

bread; assigned to the Department of Agriculture

(DA) rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh eggs, fresh pork/
beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables,
root crops, sugar, fresh/ dried and other marine products; assigned to Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) firewood and charcoal;
and the Department of Health (DOH) drugs classified as essential by DOH.
The Price Act provides that any retailer found selling
more than the listed prevailing prices shall be imposed with an administrative fine up to One Million
Pesos (P1,000,000.00) and/or maximum of 10-year
imprisonment.
The DTI enjoins consumers to report retailers that
sell basic necessities more than the specified prices to
the nearest DTI Regional or Provincial Office in their
areas: DTI Region 7 (032) 2550036 / 2550037;

DTI Central Visayas (DTI 7) Regional Director As-

DTI-Cebu (032) 2557082 / 2532631.

teria Caberte explained that with the declaration of

a state of calamity by a local government unit
(LGU) in a particular area the prices on basic goods
shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing
prices.
Caberte said that a price control is in effect for the
duration of the condition that brought it about but
not more than 60 days.

As contained in Section 6 of RA 7581 otherwise

known as the Price Act, a price freeze is automatically implemented as a preventive measure in order
to thwart overpricing of goods such as processed
milk, canned goods, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread during times of calamities,

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Enabling Business Empowering Consumers 8

Kalampusan

June 2015

Activities in Photos

DTI Bohol rolled out the Balik Eskwela

Diskwento Caravan in Carmen, Bohol
on May 27, 2015. A total of 1,040 individuals benefited from the activity.
The Diskwento Caravan is a banner program of the Department of Trade and
Industry. It aims to help consumers
stretch their budget through price discounts offered by participating manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.

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Kalampusan

June 2015

Activities in Photos

(On June 2, DTI Bohol staff Yoradyl Espejo Israel and Maria Teresa Tay assisted the Bicao Small Farmers Multi Purpose Cooperative in formulating new product variants of pineapple marmalade. The purpose of the activity was to expand the market of Bicao SFMPC and to increase the
sales of the cooperative. Pineapple variants produced during the activity included: pineapple with tomatoes, pineapple with young coconut and
pineapple with papaya

Green Economic Development Sensitization and Business Matching for Tourism Enterprises in Siquijor.

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Kalampusan

June 2015

News Bite

Cebu, dubbed as the Creative Capital of the Philippines, hosted

the 4th Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN) Forum
last June 25.
Carrying the theme Authenti-cities: Identify the Unity in Diversity, the activity was part of the celebration of the Creative Industries Week during the Cebu Business Month (CBM) and was organized by the DTI Cebu Provincial Office, Cebu Chamber of Commerce
and Industries (CCCI), and Creative Cebu Council.
SEACCN is a network of cities, organizations, civic groups and individuals in Southeast Asia that are actively involved in promoting
creativity. It is an open group focused on urban development,
heritage and arts, crafts, innovation, digital content, functional
design and entrepreneurship, among others.
Since its launch, several joint activities have been organized, including seminars, public forums, and an art and craft exhibition in
Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
DTI Cebu Provincial Director Nelia Flores-Navarro, who chairs the
CBM creative industries, during a press conference on May 28 said
Cebus hosting of the forum was meant to foster progressive creative growth in the city and in the country.
Our strength is in Creative Entrepreneurs. Cebuanos are known
everywhere for openness, inclusiveness, and a fearless hands-on

approach to industry, she said.

Cebu is recognized by the British Council as the Creative Capital of the
Philippines in 2008. The province also represents the Philippines in the
association along with other secondary cities in Southeast Asia namely:
Chiang Mai, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; and Bandong Indonesia.
During a press conference, officials of Creative Cebu Council Adrian Zen
Patoriza, Ian Zafra, and Debbie Palao challenged potential creative entrepreneurs to make themselves known and to contribute to the development of the industry.
Navarro encouraged more creative groups and individuals to surface so
that they can be assisted with funding and in entering the bigger market
as DTI Cebu has P2 million budget from Small Business (SB) Corp. intended for loans for local creative individuals that are into business.
The full-day SEACCN forum was held at the City Sports Club. Activity
objectives included public awareness on the value of creativity, culture
and innovation as drivers of economic development and export growth;
intensify education and appreciation of the market opportunities for
Cebus creative goods and services; promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences in and approached to creative entrepreneurship and
innovation with ASEAN communities; and support tourism in the Philippines and promote Cebu Island as a provider of creative goods and services to both international and local markets.

http://youtu.be/N5vj8Osfrqk

OTOP STORETINDAHANG PINOY CEBU.

OTOP Store, Cotcot, Lilo-an, Cebu, Philippines.

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Enabling Business Empowering Consumers 11

Kalampusan

June 2015

News Bite

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) prompts supermarkets,

grocery stores, wet markets, and general merchandise stores to consistently comply with the specified Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) for
products classified under basic necessities and prime commodities of
the Republic Act (R. A.) 7581 or the Price Act.
DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Victorio
Mario A. Dimagiba states, Once again, there are speculations on the
increase on prices of basic and prime goods due to the spikes in fuel
prices and the Department reminds retailers to sell their products that
are among the basic and prime lists within their SRPs.
The DTIs list of SRPs for basic necessities and prime commodities that
was issued last 16 April 2015 still stands. We have not received requests from the industries for price adjustments, thus, retailers are expected to always observe the existing SRPs, Undersecretary Dimagiba
points out.
Guided by the Price Act, the DTI conducts regular monitoring activities
on the price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities
under its jurisdiction. These products include: basic canned fish and
other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent,
candles, bread, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, and, locally-manufactured instant noodles; prime flour, processed and
canned pork, processed and canned beef and poultry meat, vinegar,
patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, paper, school supplies, cement, clinker,
Galvanized iron (GI) sheets, hollow blocks, construction supplies, batteries, electrical supplies, light bulbs, and, steel wires.
The DTIs Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) conducts weekly
monitoring activities on price and supply of basic and prime goods.
Consequently, the DTIs Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau
(CPAB) readies weekly price monitoring reports (PMR) wherein monitored prices based on the SRPs from 16 regions with 79 provinces are
consolidated.

The DTI-CPAB receives quarterly submissions of SRPs from the

manufacturers whether there are price changes or none. It analyzes
the causes on the submitted price changes and checks if these
prices are appropriate.
SRPs are issued by manufacturers to retailers to ensure market
share and fair competition in the market. Production cost, distribution
cost, and profit margins of retailers and distributors are factored in.
Undersecretary Dimagiba asserts, The DTI promotes close coordination with the manufacturers to ensure that there is proper notification and consultation prior to any adjustments in SRPs so as not to
deny the businesses of their right to fair return of investments. Consequently, this close coordination will prevent unjust price hikes on
basic goods.
We will continue to reinforce our teams and heighten our monitoring
activities on the prices of basic and prime goods so we can prevent
undue price adjustments from retailers. Our regional and provincial
offices ensure that they regularly monitor the markets in their areas,
Undersecretary Dimagiba relates.
Upon evaluation, if a retailer is found executing illegal acts of price
manipulation such as profiteering, which is a violation of the Republic
Act 7581 or the Price Act, they shall face an administrative fine of up
to P1 million subject to the circumstances provided after due notice
and hearing. They can also be criminally liable for illegal price manipulation that may result to imprisonment of not more than 15 years
and a maximum fine of P2,000,000.00.
Consumers can access the list of SRPs for basic necessities and
prime commodities at www.dti.gov.ph. Consumers can report any
complaint on prices to DTI Direct 751.3330 and 0917.8343330.
(Source: DTI Consumer Protection Group)

This month, DTI audited Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) in Central Visayas.
(Photos above) DTI RO7 Team auditing the Fiber Extraction SSF in Balamban, Cebu .

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June 2015

Activities in Photos

DTI staff Victoria Diaz, Christine Ejes and Jojisilia

Villamor visited Pete Delantar, President of Natures
Legacy, for ideas on products using waste or raw
materials. This is part of the departments effort to
provide livelihood assistance to calamity stricken
areas and encourage green manufacturing.
Mr. Delantar won the Gold Award in the 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland in April 2015 for his innovative use of castaway
materials found in his factory to produce a salable
item.

The Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 is organizing the Sandugo Regional Trade Expo at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on July 22-27,
2015.
Now on its 10th year as a regional trade fair, the Sandugo Trade Expo has already established name recall
among buyers and visitors all over the country.
This years exhibit will feature timeless interpretations
of locally made products focusing on heritage, culture
and environment protection through ecologicallyfriendly, sustainable and indigenous materials. More
specifically, products to be exhibited will range from
furnishings and fixtures to wearables, novelty items and
fashion accessories, as well as fresh and processed
food.
The trade exhibit, which will open from 8:00 am to 9:00
pm., will have exhibitors from all over Central Visayas
as well as from neighboring provinces in Visayas and
Mindanao

been the venue for the promotion of products of several

MSMEs from the Visayas and even from the Mindanao
regions.
Historically, the fair started as a provincial marketing
event in Bohol, but eventually it grew into a regional fair
in 2006. Since it started in 1989, the Sandugo Fair has
gained the interest of buyers and institutions because of
the wide variety of products and services that it offers.
Traditionally, the trade fair is a venue to market-test products made by SMEs after undergoing careful product development process. Being an annual marketing event for
Region 7, it has been the medium by which DTI showcases the tangible results of its achievements for the past
year or so.
But while majority of showcased items in the past were
intended mostly for the export market, the DTI looked into
the prospects of the domestic tourism market as an opportunity for MSMEs to sell or promote their products in
this years trade event. (ends)

Over the years, the Sandugo Regional Trade Fair has

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June 2015

Philippines

KALAMPUSAN
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EDITORIAL BOARD

Executive Editor
Asteria C. Caberte
DTI 7 Regional Director

Writer / Editor
Lay-out Artist
Jojisilia Villamor

I.T. Support
Jerome Elarcosa &
Bernard Cabasisi

Contributors
Vierna Teresa Ligan
Rey Regis
Adelina Balatayo
Angeline Gonzales
Nimfa Virtucio
Shirelyn Villamor
Manuel Labrador
Maria Teresa Tay

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REGIONAL OFFICE
Regional Director ASTERIA C. CABERTE
3rd Flr, WDC Bldg.,Osmena Boulevard, cor. P.Burgos, Cebu City
Tel. # (63)(032) 255-0036 / 255-0037
Fax # (63)(032) 253-7465
email: dti_7@yahoo.com / dticentralvisayas@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/dtiregion7
http://dti7updates.tumblr.com/
REGIONAL DIVISIONS
Business Development Division (BDD)
Victoria Diaz, Chief
Tel. Nos. 2550036 / 412-1989 / 412-1868 loc. 601
e-mail: bdd.dtiro7@gmail.com
Consumer Welfare and Business Regulatory Division (CWBRD)
Rose Mae Quinanola, Chief
Tel. Nos. 2550036 / 412-1989 / 412-1868 loc 301
Industry Development and Investment Promotions Division (IDIPD)
Minerva Yap, Chief
Tel. nos. 412-1944 / 4121945 / 255-6971 / 255-3926
e-mail: dtiro7.idipd@gmail.com
BOHOL PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Provincial Director MA. ELENA C. ARBON
2F FCB Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City
Tel. # (63) 038-501-8260
Fax # (63) 038-412-3533
email: dtibohol@yahoo.com
CEBU PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Provincial Director: NELIA V.F. NAVARRO
DTI Building, Osmena Boulevard, corner Lapulapu Street, Cebu City
Tel. # (63)(032) 255-6971 / 255-3926
(63)(032) 412-1944 / 412-1945
email: dticebuphil@yahoo.com / dticebuphil@gmail.com
NEGROS ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Provincial Director JAVIER FORTUNATO, JR
2F Uymatiao Bldg., San Jose Street. Dumaguete City
Tel. # (63)(035) 422-2764
Fax # (63)(035) 225-7211
email: dtinegor@gmail.com
SIQUIJOR PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Provincial Director NIMFA M. VIRTUCIO
CF Bldg., Legaspi St., Siquijor, Siquijor
Tel. # (63)035-480-9065
Fax # (63) 035-344-2238
Email: dtisiquijor@yahoo.com

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