THE public has to be wise in buying goods and products as the Christmas season nears. They should also be sure that what they’re buying are compliant with the suggested retail price or SRP.
People usually become careless when shopping especially during the Christmas rush so they fall victim to unscrupulous traders.
Consumers have to report irregular pricing of items not just in physical stores but in businesses engaged in online selling or e-commerce, according to the Department of Tade and Industry.
As the holiday season approaches, the government just wants to remind consumers to be smarter and more discerning of what they buy, especially when it comes to basic necessities and prime commodities.
“Make sure they are SRP-compliant,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
October is Consumer Welfare Month with this year’s theme “Sustainable Consumer in the New Normal”.
Lopez invited the public to join programs initiated by the agency, which can be found on their website.
If possible, consumers should buy sustainable products, those with no harmful effects on our environment, he said. He reiterated DTI’s call for Filipinos to patronize local businesses and products while the country gradually increases economic activities and recovers from the impacts of the coronavirus disease pandemic.
The point is that when we buy local, we create local employment.
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Meanwhile, with more than seven months of battling COVID-19, the country should have already equipped itself on preventing the transmission, as the government shifts its strategies from risk avoidance to risk management.
The government said it will reopen the economy but it has to be done safely. Lopez said we have learned to really take care of ourselves and prevent the transmission.
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The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is eyeing to allow people aged 16 to 65 to go outside their homes in efforts to increase generated income of businesses, and further revive economic activities.
The economy has reopened but many are not allowed to go out which in return slows down income of businesses and workers, Lopez said. People will be safe when they go out provided they follow all the seven commandments of safety.
In the existing and in effect IATF community quarantine guideline, any person below 21 years old and above 60 years old, including those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are recommended to remain in their residences at all times.
Exempted from this are those obtaining essential goods and services or those working in permitted industries.
With this, hopefully we can reduce hunger, malnutrition, and other diseases caused by poverty,” he added. The recommendation is yet to be finalized and approved by the decision-making body.
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