ILOILO City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging more establishments in Western Visayas to qualify for the Bagwis Award which recognizes businesses that uphold consumer rights and promote fair trade practices.
The DTI-Bagwis Program acknowledges establishments that prioritize consumer welfare while maintaining responsible business practices, ensuring that customers receive the best value for their money. It also promotes the establishment of Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) or equivalent customer service offices within malls to provide consumer assistance and facilitate the resolution of complaints.
“The Bagwis Award serves as a seal of recognition from our agency, affirming that an establishment adheres to fair business practices,” said DTI Region 6 officer-in-charge assistant regional director Mutya D. Eusores. “Through our campaign, we aim to increase the number of applicants because this signifies a commitment to consumer protection and ethical business conduct in the region.”
Each year, DTI sets a target number of awardees per provincial office, offering technical assistance to establishments during the application process to ensure they meet the necessary criteria. For 2024, 57 new establishments across the region have earned the award at various levels — gold, silver, or bronze.
The award categories are as follows:
* Bronze – Compliance with Fair Trade Laws and establishment of a Consumer Welfare Desk or equivalent customer relations office.
* Silver – Achievement of Bronze requirements plus demonstrated Social Responsibility.
* Gold – Achievement of Silver requirements plus alignment with elements of ISO 9001 quality management standards.
According to Grace Benedicto, chief of the Consumer Protection Division at DTI-6, the award is open to supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops, among others.
“DTI Provincial Offices nominate establishments based on monitoring and inspections to ensure compliance with trade laws such as the Price Act, Suggested Retail Price (SRP) regulations, and product standard laws,” Benedicto explained. “These businesses are selected based on their consistent adherence to these laws and their commitment to addressing consumer concerns through Consumer Welfare Desks.”
The selection of Bagwis Awardees is based several parameters:
Compliance with Fair Trade Laws
* Proper price tagging and display of product standards certification (PS/ICC marks) for regulated products
* Adherence to consumer rights policies, including product warranties and compliance with the “No Return, No Exchange” policy
* Fair pricing and provision of discounts for senior citizens
* Avoidance of deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading sales practices
Customer Relations
* Availability of a well-maintained Consumer Welfare Desk with trained personnel
* Efficient resolution of consumer complaints
Store Management and Operations
* Compliance with labor laws, including payment of minimum wage, SSS, PhilHealth, and 13th-month pay
* Maintenance of a clean and organized workplace
* Proper waste disposal and sanitation, including clean comfort rooms
* Presence of accurate store and product signage
Social Responsibility
* No pending cases for trade law violations with DTI or other regulatory agencies
* Issuance of official receipts or invoices for all transactions
* Participation in government programs such as price stabilization and livelihood initiatives
* ISO 9001 Compliance
* Implementation of a quality management system in accordance with international standards/PN
