CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas (DTI-7) has generated a total sales of around P1.2 million from the four Diskwento Caravans held in the different areas in Bohol after a devastating earthquake has hit the region.
The Diskwento Caravan is a flagship project of DTI where basic necessities and prime commodities are sold at discounted prices.
It aims to uphold the right of consumers, especially those belonging in the marginalized communities, to have access to basic goods.
The trade department announced in a statement yesterday that the sales generated from the Diskwento Caravan program reached to P1,213,251.15.
DTI-7 held four Diskwento Caravans in the quake-hit areas in Bohol starting in the municipality of Loon last October 25.
It was then succeeded in the towns of Antequera, Maribojoc and Tubigon last October 27, 29 and 31 respectively.
Among the participating retailers and distributors from Tagbilaran City during the four-day Diskwento Caravans include Alturas Supermarket Corporation, Bohol Quality Corporation, A.H. Shoppers' Mart and Gardenia Bakeries.
The four-day activity sold products at distributors' prices such as laundry and bath soaps, detergents, medicines, bread, canned goods, biscuits, eggs, shampoo, coffee and chicken among others.
DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo who visited the caravan in Tubigonlast Thursday lauded the efforts of the entire staff of the regional trade department, saying he was pleased to see the long lines of people queuing at the Diskwento Caravan booth in the town.
Domingo was accompanied by Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte and DTI - Bohol Provincial Director Maria Elena Arbon.
Earlier, Caberte shared that they have observed the improvement of the purchasing power of Boholanos after the quake.
To initiate the availability of goods to the residents, the trade department facilitated the Diskwento Caravan to address the demand for basic commodities in worst-hit areas in Bohol.
DTI-7 also acknowledged the help and support of the local government unit and the private sector who collaborated with the project. /JOB (FREEMAN)