IBA, Zambales (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) distributed a total of 24 Timbangan ng Bayan or public weighing scales in public markets in Zambales.

This is a joint project of the agency with the provincial government and Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC).

DTI Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad said the project aims to implement the public market standards and measures in terms of business and industry conduct. 

"We want to ensure that all consumers are protected from unfair and unconscionable sales acts or practices and that they get the best value for money,” he pressed.

Relative to this, the agency has the Ikot Palengke Program which aims to check the prices and supply of processed and agricultural basic necessities and prime commodities as well as the accuracy of weights and measures and if the goods have appropriate price tags.

DTI and LPCC confiscated a total of 337 defective weighing scales last year and 15 this year as of February 22.

Reasons for confiscation include inaccurate weights and measures and defective weighing scales with broken parts; non-compliance by not affixing stickers indicating the calibration of the scale and some have been tampered with; and unregistered weighing scales at the Treasurer's Office. (CLJD/RGP-PIA 3)