LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Ifugao recently conducted a consumer education and seminar on fair trade laws for business owners, and representatives from the provincial government and municipal government t of this capital town at the BAB Building, Poblacion East here.

This is to update owners and employees of hardware stores and auto and motorcycle repair shops on the various trade and industry laws regulating the operation of such business activities, the DTI release stated.

Trade and Industry Development Analyst Daniel B. Codamon Jr. educated participants on the basic trade fair laws and gave updates on the additional products listed under mandatory certification being monitored by the DTI in compliance with Republic Act 4109 or the Standards Law and DTI- Administrative Order No. 2 S. 2007.

Codamon also clarified the common misconceptions and limitations of the DTI’s jurisdiction in product monitoring. He encouraged the participants to patronize products with PS (Philippine Standard) or ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) marks.

Municipal officers gave their support in protecting the welfare of the consumers and the programs of the DTI.

Councilor Eric Dugyon, the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Trade and Industry chair,   assured that he will look into how they will facilitate the adoption of a local ordinance in support to consumer welfare and protection while Municipal Administrator Lito Baguiwa encouraged business owners to prioritize the welfare of their consumers.

“Anyone is free to operate a business but it should not be at the expense of the consumers,” said Baguiwa.

DTI- Ifugao regularly conducts monitoring of the prevailing prices and supply situation of the basic and prime commodities in the province.

 Products being monitored by DTI are listed on their website. (JDP/ FBR-PIA CAR, Ifugao)