KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 conducted another round of surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement of Service and Repair Enterprises (SREs) in parts of Region 12.

This activity adheres to Presidential Decree No. 1572 and Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which stipulate that DTI is responsible for regulating SREs to ensure the public is protected from unethical, unfair, and incompetent practices by SREs. The regulations also protect reliable and competent SREs from malpractices that may harm their good reputation and established standing.

A total of 42 Service and Repair Establishments were visited by DTI-12 team in the initial surveillance, monitoring and enforcement conducted in South Cotabato and Cotabato Province on February 8, 9 and 13, 2023.

Flora Politud-Gabunales, OIC Regional Director of DTI 12, said it is part of the DTI’s consumer protection program to accredit SREs as well as conduct developmental regulation, monitoring, and enforcement.

“This is part of our continuing effort to ensure that the general public is protected and that business establishments adhere to the regulatory requirements stipulated by law,” said Politud-Gabunales.

The local trade chief also reminded the public to patronize only the services of SREs with accreditation to ensure the quality of services they will avail.

 Presidential Decree 1572, series of 1978, mandates that all technical personnel and enterprises in the service and repair industry must apply for DTI accreditation, which is valid from the date of issuance until December 31st of the same calendar year, and renewal after the deadline incurs a 25% surcharge and administrative fees.

During the first round of surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement conducted last February 8, 9 and 13, 2023, a total of 42 SREs were visited by the DTI 12 enforcement team in the areas of Koronadal City, Banga, Surallah, Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato, and Midsayap in Cotabato Province. Establishments found with expired or no certificate of accreditation were issued by DTI with a Notice of Violation (NOV) and were given forty-eight hours from the receipt of NOV to submit their written explanation or personally appear to rebut the findings to the provincial director of DTI with jurisdiction to their area of operations. ♦

Date of release: 17 February 2023

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