MANILA, Philippines — Consumers can now buy basic goods and necessities within or lower than the suggested retail prices (SRP) at sari-sari stores following the launch of the Department of Trade and Industry’s program allowing stores to get products from manufacturers at discounted prices.
Through DTI Suking Tindahan: Sulit at Risonableng Presyo program, consumers can be assured of access to reasonably priced basic necessities and prime commodities even at sari-sari stores.
The DTI said the program links sari-sari stores to manufacturers or authorized distributors who can give the basic and prime goods at discounted rates.
With the discounted rates, sari-sari stores can sell goods within or below the SRP.
The program is open to sari-sari stores, wholesalers and cooperatives willing to sell basic and prime goods within or lower than the SRP.
To be part of the program, the store or cooperative must be a fully-registered business in existence for at least one year and have a minimum financial capitalization of P100,000.
Among the first tranche of participating sari-sari stores are Noel & Jenny Sari-Sari Store, Francing Store, and Lacson Grocery all at the public market in Marikina City; Bea Brain Josh Store and Ingrid Store in Quezon City; Edison Sari-Sari Store in Navotas City; Centennial Village Multi-Purposes Coop in Taguig, and Four E General Merchandise in Manila.
“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,” Ruth Castelo, DTI undersecretary for consumer protection group said.
She said the DTI intends to make the program available nationwide.
“Thus, we are calling on all sari-sari stores to volunteer for the program,” she said.
For more information on the DTI Suking Tindahan program, individuals may contact 1-384 (1-DTI) Consumer Hotline or email ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.