Legazpi City — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bicol destroyed over P500,000 worth of “uncertified” products on Friday, March 15, at the DTI regional office in Rawis, Legazpi City.
The confiscated products were from 69 establishments that have faced violations of the Product Standards Law, leading to a government-imposed penalty of at least one million pesos. The majority of the items were acquired last year, mostly from the provinces of Catanduanes and Albay.
According to DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol, the decision to destroy uncertified products was driven by concerns for public safety, emphasizing the risks associated with using such items.
“Since sinabing ‘uncertified’ that means they (did) not follow the standards. Dae sila nakapasar duman sa Philippine standards (na) pigsusunod ta na mga regulations. Dakol na kaming activities na pig-conduct to orient them…to educate [establishments] su mga tamang produkto na ipinbakal. Pero sad to say, along the way, may mga nakukuha pa din kita mga arog kading substandard, and we still have to monitor and confiscate ini mga substandard na items na ini,” Nabol explained.
Pipes, monoblock chairs, electrical conduit pipes, sanitary wares, ceramic tiles, fire extinguishers, and light bulbs were among the items destroyed.
Nabol said that the said activity is a way to inform the public that DTI protects consumers from substandard products and reminds retailers that the department is watching and monitoring their products.
Furthermore, Nabol also reminded the public to stay vigilant against uncertified products and make sure to only prioritize certified and quality products to ensure consumer safety.
“Most of the time sa ating binibiling produkto [na mura]…pero ilang araw lang o ilang linggo lang, tapos na ang serbisyo ng produktong iyon,” Nabol added. The said activity was also part of celebrating World Consumer Rights Day. Meanwhile, DTI V was in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other agencies to properly dispose of the waste accumulated during the destruction process. | Alliah Jane Babila