DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded all business owners in Pangasinan to comply with fair trade laws as the agency intensified its inspection and monitoring of business establishments.

DTI Pangasinan Provincial Director Natalia Dalaten warned business establishments in the province to comply with fair trade laws implemented by the agency to avoid being penalized and undergo a rigorous process of adjudication proceedings.

Dalaten said in 2022, the monitoring and inspection team of DTI Pangasinan was able to inspect 3,063 business establishments in the province composed of 1,799 grocery stores and supermarkets, and 1,264 hardware stores, appliances and auto supply stores.

“Of the total number of monitored business establishments, 18 business owners were issued notice of violation and seven were issued show cause orders resulting in 99.4% compliance rate of business establishments in the province,” said Dalaten.

She said of the 18 non-compliant firms, three were charged under Presidential Decree No. 1572 also known as Accreditation Law, one under Business Name Law and one for Price Tag Law, and 13 firms were charged under Standards Law and Republic Act 4109.

Likewise, Dalaten reminded all consumers to be more cautious and vigilant in buying products and services by always checking product markings, patronizing certified products, and exercising their consumer rights. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)