Department of Trade and Industry Sec. Ramon Lopez assured the public that the agency is coordinating with grocery and supermarket owners to limit the quantity of items they are selling to those who are panic buying.
Lopez said that there is no need to resort to panic buying as there is enough supply of items like tissue papers and alcohol.
He said that the groceries and supermarkets are only running out of alcohol and sanitizers to be displayed, but it does not mean that there is a shortage in supply.
Part of the mandate of DTI is to ensure a safe consumer environment with quality and safe products at reasonable prices by undertaking programs that support informed and vigilant consumers and cooperative and self-policing businesses.
For those whose businesses were affected by the cancellation of events such as the Panagbenga 2020 and Palarong Pambansa, the DTI is providing learning and entrepreneurial trainings through its Negosyo centers in municipalities including Baguio and Tabuk.
The Cordillera provinces from March to April have lined up seminars and trainings like proper handling of food and food safety, organizational strengthening, and leadership and management.
Others include how to start a business, entrepreneurial development, good manufacturing practices, skills upgrading training on tropical fruit processing, organizational capability building training, skills training on broom making and product packaging and labeling, among others.
There are also trainings for skills upgrading training on furniture making, skills training on bamboo furniture and furnishings, value chain analysis workshop, product pricing and costing seminar, seminar on bookkeeping and basic accounting for non-accountants and seminar on basic business recording to be conducted in the provinces. Interested participants are advised to coordinate with their nearest DTI office or Negosyo centers for inclusion in said trainings.
Other seminars and trainings on coffee post-harvest include proper drying technology, basic inventory management, business continuity plan, product pricing and costing, financial statement preparation, training on loomweaving and introduction of new textile patterns are likewise scheduled and DTI can also schedule trainings requested by interested micro, small, and medium enterprises. – Press release
April 26, 2024
