DTI warns
The Department of Trade & Industry has warned the public against buying sub-standard Christmas lights, as they begin their monitoring on the quality standards for Christmas lights and other similar appliances this month.
DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio advised buyers during a Kapihan sa PIA forum to check the packaging and verify if it is intended for internal use, noting that Christmas lights that are designated for outdoor use should not be used as decoration for indoor Christmas trees and vice-versa.
“Nagsugod na mi ug monitor kay padung naman December so ang paliton nato dapat kanang Christmas lights naay PS mark or ICC (mark), meaning standard na siya. Niagi na siya testing ug nipasar siya nga safe siya gamiton (We will start our monitoring this month especially since it’s almost December. When we buy Christmas lights, we should look for those with PS mark or ICC mark which is proof that these items passed the testing and it is safe to use),” Virtucio said.
She also warned against using “octopus connection” or using one adapter socket for various electrical plugs.
DTI will also start monitoring the prices of basic commodities for the Noche Buena and Media Noche by December.
In relation to this, Virtucio clarified that oil prices have no direct relation to increase in the prices of prime commodities.
“Walay relasyon si gasolina sa pagsaka sa presyo. Ngano? Dili gasolina ang gamiton sa pag-produce sa ato mga basic and prime commodities. Gamay ra ang part sa gasolina. Sa pag-distribute ra na (There is no direct relation between increase in the prices of fuel and the increase in the prices of basic commodities. Gasoline only plays a small part in the production of basic and prime commodities. It is more relevant in the distribution),” Virtucio explained.
In the production of canned sardines, for example, she cited that fuel accounts for only 0.1 percent in its production.
The DTI official said it is the high dollar exchange which plays a factor in the increase of basic netcessities, as raw materials needed for its production are imported.
“Ayaw ninyo i-conclude dayon na nimahal ang gasolina, momahal dayon ang presyo. Way labot si gasolina na sa pagmahal sa presyo (Don’t assume that the prices of basic commodities will go up with the increase of fuel prices),” Virtucio said. (RAL/ PIA7 NegOr)
