CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu has conferred Gold Bagwis Seals to 32 business establishments in recognition of their efforts to uphold the rights and welfare of consumers and practice responsible business.

In an awarding ceremony held on Tuesday, June 25, DTI Cebu Provincial Director Rose Mae M. Quiñanola stated that this program encourages the establishment of Consumer Welfare Desks (CWDs) or equivalent customer relations office that will provide information to consumers and serve as a mechanism for the speedy resolution of complaints.

For 2023, the National Bagwis Committee awarded the highest category—the Gold Bagwis Award—to 32 retail establishments in Cebu.

Sixteen new awards were given, including to Robinsons Appliance (branches in Fuente Cebu and Galleria Cebu), Savers Appliance Cebu, Atlantic Hardware (branches in Taboan, Subangdaku, Mandaue, Bulacao, Talisay, and Maguikay, Mandaue), Handyman Do It Best (branches in Grandmall Mactan, Gaisano Mactan, South Town Centre, Gaisano Grand Mall Liloan, E-mall, Parkmall, and Robinsons Place Fuente), and Robinsons Department Store (branches in Galleria and Fuente).

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. received ten reassessed awards for its branches in Carmen, Carcar, Bogo, Banilad, Lapu-Lapu (supermarket and department store), Shang’s, and Mandaue (supermarket, department store, and appliance).

Additionally, three reassessed awards were given to Toyota Cebu City Inc. for its branches in Cebu City, Mandaue North Cebu, and Mandaue South Cebu, and one to Toyota Mabolo, Cebu Inc. Gaisano Grandmall Minglanilla also received two reassessed awards for its Supermarket and Department Store.

Industry partners, including local chambers and Bagwis Regional Committee member Philippine Retailers Authority (PRA) Cebu Chapter, were also present during the awarding ceremony in Cebu City.

Carl Cabusas II, Vice President of External Affairs of the Talisay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended the exceptional efforts of businesses that have gone above and beyond in delivering quality products and services while upholding the highest standards of consumer welfare and protection.

“Over the years, the Mandaue Chamber has been a witness, a supporter, and a partner to many local, national, and international businesses in their journey to be compliant with fair trade laws and global standards for quality management, as well as to improve their customer relations and operations,” said Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Mark Ynoc. He also thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for initiating this recognition program and for DTI’s invaluable efforts as a constant partner in Sugbo Negosyo, the successful micro-enterprise assistance program spearheaded by the Cebu Provincial Government.

“We thank the DTI for their dedication to uplifting the MSME sector,” said Jay Fernandez, Philippine Retailers Association Vice President-Ways and Means. “As we move forward, let’s draw inspiration from the achievements of our awardees. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other, creating an environment where every MSME can grow and succeed.”

One of the criteria for Bagwis awardees is compliance with consumer laws. To keep businesses updated on fair trade laws, including Sales Promo, Price Tag, No Shortchanging, and the Return & Exchange Policy, Atty. Airene Abapo, DTI Cebu Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist, led an informative session on Senior Citizen and PWD discounts during the awarding ceremony.

In closing, Provincial Director Rose Mae Quiñanola encouraged the Bagwis Gold Awardees to embrace technology and continue to innovate for the benefit of consumers. She emphasized that the award is not just a milestone but a testament to the awardees’ limitless potential and quest for excellence.

The Bagwis Award is valid for three years from the date of conferment. It is automatically revalidated through reassessment by the DTI, ensuring that the awardee establishment consistently complies with Bagwis parameters for three consecutive years. ♦

Date of release: 28 June 2024

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