MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched its Suking Tindahan Program, which aims to introduce the suggested retail price (SRP) system to sari-sari stores.
On Wednesday, the DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) granted the seal of good housekeeping or the Suking Tindahan badge to sari-sari stores and smaller grocery stores in Quezon City, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, and Taguig.
Last February, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez eyed this program to promote SRPs among sari-sari stores or community stores so Filipinos could get better access to cheaper basic commodities and prime commodities.
“The DTI Suking Tindahan program was conceived by Secretary Ramon Lopez to heed the call of consumers for reasonably-priced basic and prime goods to be made available at their neighborhood sari-sari stores,” DTI-CPG Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said in a statement.
“With this launch, the DTI is gearing up for its nationwide rollout. Thus, we are calling on all sari-sari stores to volunteer for the program,” Castelo said.
Pioneer Suking Tindahans include Noel & Jenny Sari-Sari Store, Francing Store, and Lacson Grocery in Marikina City; Bea Brain Josh Store and Ingrid Store in Quezon City; Edison Sari-Sari Store in Navotas City; Centennial Village Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Taguig; and Four E General Merchandise in Manila.
The trade department also encourages other sari-sari stores, wholesalers, and cooperatives to participate in the program.
The DTI will be granting Suking Tindahan accreditation to stores that have business registration and have been in operation for at least a year. The stores should also have capitalization of PHP100,000.
Lopez earlier said his department will discuss with manufacturers the feasibility of directly supplying small retailers, who pledge to sell within SRP guidelines.
He clarified that this program is voluntary and does not require all sari-sari stores to implement SRPs. At present, compulsory adherence to SRPs is only being imposed on the supermarket industry. (Kris Crismundo/PNA)
