Antique: Nine establishments in Antique are vying for the prestigious Bagwis Award of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI Antique Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Arnel Oliveros stated that one establishment is hoping for the bronze award, being a new nominee, while another aims to maintain its standing as a bronze awardee.
According to Philippines News Agency, five establishments are competing to retain their silver awards, and two others are striving to maintain their gold awards. Oliveros emphasized that the establishments are striving to earn or maintain their Bagwis Awards as recognition of their efforts in promoting business ethics and adhering to product standards.
Oliveros highlighted that establishments must meet specific parameters to qualify for the awards. To receive the bronze award, an establishment must comply with Fair Trade Laws and other consumer-related laws, customer relations and services, and store management and operations. For the silver award, compliance with Fair Trade Laws and other consumer-related laws, customer relations and services, store management and operations, and being a socially committed and responsible business sector is necessary. The gold award requires all these factors plus Quality Operation Management.
He mentioned that Triumph Home Depot is the new business establishment aiming to become a Bagwis Awardee, while the eight other establishments have been awardees for the past three years and require revalidation. The Regional Bagwis Committee, comprising DTI, a representative from the local government unit (LGU) where the establishment is located, members of the consumer group, and the business sector, will conduct the revalidation on Oct. 16.
Oliveros noted that the establishments aspire to be Bagwis Awardees to enhance their business image by showing they carry safe and certified products. The Bagwis award also boosts consumer confidence and serves as a source of pride for the establishments. The revalidation and awarding process is part of the observance of Consumer Welfare Month this October.
