Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expanded the reach of its Timbangan ng Bayan (TnB) initiative throughout Luzon municipalities this October.

In line with the Consumer Welfare Month theme, “Be Smart, Assert Your Rights,” the TnB rollout has already reached 26 localities in Luzon and is set to cover 66 more areas by the end of the month.

In photo: DTI, in partnership with RCBC, officially delivered the Timbangan ng Bayan units to Balungao Public Market in Poblacion, Balungao, Pangasinan, and Tubao Public Market in Poblacion, Tubao, La Union on 14 October 2024

In August 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through this agreement, RCBC supplies the TnB units, while the DTI manages their installation in public wet markets and works with local government units to ensure smooth integration.

These weighing scales function as information hubs that educate consumers about their rights and provide ways to report discrepancies.

“Our cooperation with RCBC in the nationwide deployment of these units highlights our commitment to equipping markets with the tools needed for accurate measurements. This initiative enhances transparency in commercial transactions, and builds greater trust between consumers and sellers,” said DTI Fair Trade Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero.

RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva recognized the DTI for entrusting them with such a significant and consumer-centric project.

“This collaboration extends RCBC ATM Go’s efforts in community intervention and last-mile financial services, empowering consumers through financial education and consumer protection,” said Villanueva.

Themed “Tamang Timbangan, Para Hindi Kulang,” this project underscores the shared responsibility of all involved agencies to empower consumers to protect themselves from unfair trade practices.

Republic Act No. 11706 or the “Timbangan ng Bayan Law” mandates all provincial city, and municipal governments to establish accessible TnB Centers in public and private markets. These centers must be available in supermarkets, and when possible, in flea markets and grocery stores.

As the deployment continues throughout Luzon in October, consumers are encouraged to utilize these weighing scales to safeguard fair and accurate market transactions. Follow the DTI Consumer Care official social media accounts for more information.

For consumer-related queries, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or contact the 1-DTI (1-384) Hotline.For other concerns, send an email to ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 23 October 2024

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