By Sam Ramos
As the holiday season approaches, the Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) is calling on consumers to prioritize safety and make informed choices when purchasing Christmas lights and Noche Buena products.
DTI-11 Regional Director Romeo Castañaga announced the release of the 2024 Noche Buena price guide on November 15, which includes 236 stock-keeping units from 20 manufacturers across 12 categories such as ham, queso de bola, cheese, fruit cocktail, and pasta. This guide aims to help consumers plan their purchases and navigate potential price increases effectively.
While acknowledging slight price hikes in some items, Castañaga reassured the public that these adjustments underwent a thorough review by the DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau.
Safety remains a top concern, particularly for Christmas lights. Castañaga emphasized the importance of checking for mandatory safety markings like the Philippine Standard Quality and Safety Mark or the Import Commodity Clearance Sticker to ensure compliance with safety standards.
“Do not compromise your family’s safety by saving a little extra,” Castañaga urged, stressing the value of prioritizing safety over cost.
The DTI also encourages consumers to be vigilant about product quality, price, and safety to ensure value-for-money purchases during the festive season. The department will begin monitoring prices of both holiday essentials and basic commodities immediately, ensuring balance between consumer protection and fair trade practices.