To continue providing affordable basic goods to the public in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) started conducting another series of Diskwento Caravan in the National Capital Region (NCR). 

The Diskwento Caravan (DC) is a DTI initiative in partnership with the manufacturers and distributors of basic necessities and prime commodities, which aims to provide reasonably-priced quality products to the consumers. These food products are priced lower than their suggested retail prices and sometimes are being sold in packs, which provides savings to consumers.

Starting last April, during the enhanced community quarantine, the DTI successfully conducted twenty-one (21) caravans, which benefited a total of 6,797 households in Navotas City, Taguig City, Pasay City, Mandaluyong City, Malabon City, Caloocan City, Pasig City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City, San Juan City, Cavite, San Mateo Rizal, and Pateros. In total, the DTI visited and served thirty-nine (39) Barangays located in the abovementioned areas from April – June. Consumers were able to purchase low-priced bread, canned sardines, canned meat, instant noodles, bottled water, condiments (vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce), coffee, powdered milk, etc. 

The DTI gathered some testimonials from the consumers during the conduct of Diskwento Caravan. 

 “Malaking tulong itong program na ito dahil mas afford namin ang paninda dito at mas makukuha naming ang mga pangangailangan ng mga anak namin sa pang araw araw. Sana sa buong Pasay magkaron nito.” – Dolor B. Manlapas

“Malaking bagay po itong proyekto ng DTI na ito lalo na ngayong krisis dahil mura po ang mga bilihin.” – Louise Garica

Napakalaking bagay ng Diskwento Caravan ng DTI dahil hindi na namin kailangan gumising na maaga para pumunta sa palengke. Dito sa caravan sa katabing Barangay, mas mura pa ang mga bilihin. – Ron Valderama 

“Malaking tulong po ang Diskwento dahil sa convenient po ito para sa amin dahil hindi na naming kailangan bumyahe ng malayo para makabili ng mga bilihin.” – Anna Marie

For this month, the DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau, as the Bureau in charge of organizing caravans in NCR, in partnership with the Local Government Units, will conduct the said caravan in the following areas from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

Consumers are advised to visit the DTI Consumer Care social media accounts for the succeeding schedules of the said caravan in NCR and for other updates.

“The DTI extends its appreciation to the manufacturers, retailers, and the LGUs for their cooperation and efforts so we could bring the Caravan to the consumers and provide them access to basic necessities and prime commodities, the products that they use daily, at discounted prices, while they are heavily affected by the community quarantine”, says DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo. 

The DTI, through its Regional and Provincial offices, also conducts the Diskwento Caravan to ensure consumers’ access to low-priced goods, especially in these trying times. 

To report establishments that sell basic necessities and prime commodities beyond their suggested retail prices, consumers may call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.To check the latest SRPs of BNPCs, consumers may visit this link.

Image & article source: DTI