The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) is encouraging consumers to make smart and safety-conscious decisions when buying Christmas lights and Noche Buena products this holiday season. DTI-11 Regional Director Romeo Castañaga announced the release of the 2024 Noche Buena price guide on November 15, designed to assist shoppers in planning their holiday purchases. This guide features 236 stock-keeping units from 20 manufacturers, covering 12 product categories including ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, and pasta.
Castañaga emphasized that the price guide for these seasonal items, considered essential for Christmas and New Year celebrations, has been approved by the DTI. He noted that price monitoring for these products, along with basic and prime commodities, would begin immediately. Despite a slight increase in prices for some Noche Buena items, Castañaga reassured the public that the DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau had meticulously reviewed the manufacturers’ price adjustment proposals.
Safety was a key focus of Castañaga’s message, particularly when purchasing Christmas lights. He advised consumers to look for mandatory markings like the Philippine Standard Quality and Safety Mark or the Import Commodity Clearance Sticker to ensure the products meet safety standards. He stressed the importance of not compromising family safety for minor savings.
The DTI encourages consumers to be informed and responsible, critically assessing product prices and quality to ensure they get value for their money. The Noche Buena price guide is part of the DTI’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers and promote fair trade practices during the festive season.