The members of the Phil. Amalgamated Supermarkets Association met on the eve of 10/26/16 to discuss the current economic conditions and upcoming Yuletide Season and how commodities’ supplies and prices may be affected in view of the controversial statements by the president and the perception of instability in the country’s politico-economy. Also discussed were the newly passed No Short Changing Act of 2016 and the upcoming Sugar Sweetened Beverages Tax being introduced in Congress as initiated by the Department of Finance for additional government collections.  As usual, the meeting proceeded deep into the night and since the venue was open 24-hours, STC had to convince the members time and again that it was time to call it a day and get some rest for the next day’s activities!

 

On 24 Oct. 2016, DTI held a public hearing at its Manila office to get the final inputs of stakeholders for the Internal Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the “No Short Changing Act of 2016.” Present were representatives from the legal department of various retailers. BSP had to defend itself with the ample supply of small denomination coins being issued yearly but lacking in proper circulation for retailers to use.  Seated beside STC are Fishermall’s Eric Manuel (in white) and Mercury’s Atty. Edsel Manuel. An Act has 60 days from enactment to complete its IRR for proper implementation/enforcement. DTI set a series of regional meetings to get retailers’ input on this matter.

 

From the inception and launching of DTI’s Bagwis Awards 10 years ago, PAGASA has been a partner of this award by serving as part of the Board of Jurors when nominees for this Award are submitted to DTI regional offices. On 21 October 2016, DTI celebrates this Seal of Good Retail Practices a big way at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel. In front of the stage, (L-R) Ms. Josephine Palomo/Dir.- Consumer Protection and Advocacy Group (CPAG), STC and Asst. Dir. Lilian Salonga. Bagwis stands for “wings” of a great aviator scaling unreachable heights.

Ms. Claudia Li-Ting You (2R), Market Researcher from Taipei’s Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) dropped by PAGASA’s office on 20 October 2016 with her mom (R) and Taiwan Trade Center Manila’s Victoria Tiuseco as part  of her 18-day study of the Philippine market. Her SWOT Analysis will be used to present her government with strategies to further develop business opportunities between the two countries in all fields and industries.