ILOILO City – Schools are reopening in less than two weeks but there are no suggested retail prices (SRP) yet for school supplies, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6.
It is the DTI central office that sets the SRP.
According to DTI-Iloilo director Felisa Judith Degala the DTI last released an SRP for school supplies in 2019. None was released for 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Degala admitted that the delayed release of the SRP is making it hard for DTI-Iloilo to protect consumers from profiteers or rein in prices.
While retailers are encouraged to follow the 2019 SRP, Degala said DTI-Iloilo also acknowledges that prices may have likely increased these past two years due to the pandemic and inflation.
“Naga-monitor kami based on the 2019 SRP pero indi kami makahambal sa retailers if their prices nagalabaw or wala nagasunod sa SRP. It is not fair man ipasunod sa ila ang 2019 SRP kay three years ago pa ina. Basi indi na gid man ang price sina sa subong,” explained Degala.
But consumers are not totally helpless, the DTI-Iloilo director said.
Parents or guardians of learners must be fastidious when shopping for school supplies, according to Degala.
Check the labelling and quantity of the school supplies being bought to avoid being shortchanged, she urged them.
“If a writing pad you’re buying is labelled 80 leaves, i-check kon bala matuod gid man nga 80 leaves,” said Degala.
If there are discrepances in the quantity or labelling , consumers should call the attention of the retailer who, in turn, must call out the supplier or manufacturer.
“Ang consumers dapat mabusisi,” said Degala. “Gina-isip gid.”
Parents and guardians must also be fussy with quality.
“Halimbawa kon bag ang ginabakal, siguruhon nga may kalidad,” said Degala.
It is also more advantageous for consumers to buy only from DTI-registered retailers, she added.
“Para kon may defect ang product nga ginbakal, may balikan kaw,” explained Degala.
Classes for school year 2022-2023 resume this Aug. 22./PN
