DTI BAGWIS AWARD. Department of Trade and Industry Specialist Glen Fernando says on Tuesday (September 3, 2019) they are still accepting applications for the prestigious Bagwis Award. The award is conferred to establishments which uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business conduct. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Interested businessmen in the province of Antique may still apply for the prestigious Bagwis Award being conferred by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Glen Fernando, DTI Antique Trade and Industry Development Specialist, said in an interview Tuesday their office still accepts the application of businessmen who would like their businesses to be included in the Bagwis Program or formerly the DTI Certified Establishment Program.
“The Bagwis Program has been crafted by the DTI to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business where consumers get the best value for their money,” Fernando said.
He explained the award has three levels namely gold, silver and bronze depending on the criteria met by the businesses. “Antique in previous years also had businesses that were able to obtain the award,” Fernando said.
The Mr. Kuryente Electrical Retail Shop, which belongs to the hardware and electrical supplies business category, won a bronze award in 2013 and leveled up to silver in 2016.
EMCOR Incorporated, which belongs to the appliance store business category, also won a silver award in 2016.
Qualitywise Tiles and Home Accessories, which belongs to home furnishings, was conferred the bronze award in 2016 and leveled up to silver in 2017.
Gian’s Enterprises, under the Specialty Store business category and the LVS Commercial, which belongs to the Supermarket/Grocery business category, both received the bronze award in 2017.
The EDE Enterprise, which is a service and repair shop, was awarded silver in 2018, while the Du Ek Sam appliance store was awarded bronze in 2018.
DTI is yet to conduct validation for the Golden ABC that managed the For Me and Penshoppe Antique branches.
“The Golden ABC which has its main branch in Cebu is applying for the Golden Bagwis Award to include its branches, including that at Robinson’s Mall Antique this year,” Fernando said.
So far, he said other businesses applying are Gian’s for upgrading to silver, VBrents as Specialty Store for bronze, and F and A Commercial Center also for bronze.
“Other businessmen who would like to apply for the Bagwis Award may still visit the DTI Antique provincial office this September,” he said.
He said the incentives for this award are the publication of the awardees and special mention of their businesses as a form of promotion during information campaign, use of the DTI Bagwis logo, availing of DTI training, and participation in the Annual Bagwis Convention, among others.
Winners will be conferred their Bagwis award during the Consumer Welfare Month celebration in Iloilo City next month. (PNA)
