MANILA –– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans to extend the implementation of suggested retail prices (SRPs) to bigger sari-sari stores so that more Filipinos have better access to cheaper basic and prime commodities.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters Tuesday that the agency would launch soon the Suking Tindahan Program, which would promote SRPs among major sari-sari stores in communities.
Lopez said the DTI would grant accreditation, or seal of good housekeeping, on stores that volunteer to implement SRPs on basic and prime products that they sell.
“We will be providing accreditation or seal of good housekeeping in stores that will be willing to put SRPs on products. It’s not required but voluntary. But then, it’s a marketing tool, for stores that they are selling basic and prime products on SRPs,” he said.
“The Suking Tindahan Program is aligning with President Duterte’s thrust to improve consumer welfare and initiate pro-poor programs and to ensure easier access to cheaper SRPs,” he added.
The DTI chief said that the agency could help make arrangement with manufacturers to directly supply these sari-sari stores who pledge to sell products within SRPs.
Currently, SRPs are only applied to groceries and supermarkets nationwide.
Under DTI’s watch, it monitors SRPs of basic goods such as canned fish and other marine products; processed milk; coffee; laundry soap; detergent; candles; bread; salt; potable water in bottles and containers; and locally manufactured instant noodles.
It also monitors SRPs of prime commodities including flour; processed and canned pork; processed and canned beef and poultry meat; vinegar; fish sauce; soy sauce; toilet soap; paper; school supplies; cement; clinker; GI sheets; hollow blocks; construction supplies; batteries; electrical supplies; light bulbs; and steel wires. (Kris Crismundo/PNA)
