ILOILO City – The construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings is on the rise. Materials used for these structures should follow product standards to avoid the “loss of life and property,” according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6.
DTI regional director Rebecca Rascon said retailers and manufacturers should not just think about profits; they must also consider public safety.
Rascon stressed that the quality of products, especially steel bars which are now “in demand” due to the booming construction activities, should not be compromised.
“Don’t deny buyers quality products. They are paying for it,” Rascon said during Friday’s nationwide synchronized monitoring and enforcement of the Product Standards Law called upon by Consumer Protection Group undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo.
That day, the DTI deployed 13 teams across Western Visayas to check if business establishments – especially hardware shops – comply with the law.
Out of the 41 inspected business establishments, 18 were found selling uncertified/substandard steel bars – in Iloilo province, four out of 17; in Aklan, three out of five; in Antique, three out of seven; in Negros Occidental, five out of six; in Guimaras, two out of three; and in Capiz, one out of three.
The erring shops were issued notices of violation and were asked to furnish each an explanation to DTI provincial offices within 48 hours. Should they fail to comply, formal charges will be filed, said Rascon.
If proven guilty, establishment owners would face administrative fines. Their “non-conforming products” will be confiscated, too.
Substandard construction materials are those that do not bear the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks.
Same goes with substandard electrical products and household appliances.
The PS and ICC marks mean that products have passed standards and are safe to use, thus lowering the risk of accidents that could lead to destruction of property and loss of life, stressed Rascon.
Specifically, steel bars are required to have their manufacturer’s logo clearly embossed on them. Their bar size should also follow Philippine National Standards.
Sizes vary in diameter from 10 millimeter (mm), 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm, 36 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm.
For rerolled steel bars, the sizes vary from 6 mm, 7 mm, and 8 mm, also in diameter.
“We have been doing this monitoring and orientation for a long time. But may nagapabilin gihapon nga nagabayolar,” she added.
The DTI regional chief said there will be no letup in their monitoring and enforcement campaign. “Surprise” inspections will be conducted frequently.
Rascon also urged consumers to report erring businesses if they find one. (With a report from Philippine News Agency/PN)
