DTI-Aklan to distribute “Timbangan ng Bayan”

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan will distribute weighing scales in public markets for consumers to ensure the weight of goods they are buying are correct. 

At Kalibo Public Market, a weighing scale will be placed in a conspicuous place to help consumers in checking the accuracy of the weight of  products such as fish, meat, vegetable and chicken they bought are correct / PHOTO AKLAN FORUM

DTI-Aklan provincial director Engr, Diosdado Cadena, Jr. said the “Timbangan ng Bayan” project will address the complaints of consumers against unscrupulous vendors who manipulate their weighing scales to earn bigger profits. 

The 17 municipalities in Aklan will receive two weighing scales to be strategically placed at public markets. A memorandum of agreement will be signed also between DTI and the local government units for the implementation of ‘Timbangan ng Bayan”.

Cadena said DTI personnel had inspected the public markets where the weighing scales will be mounted. The weighing scales with steel cages are placed in conspicuous areas for consumers’ access.  

“Ang Timbangan ng Bayan ay isang facility for consumer welfare and protection. Ang mga weighing scales ay locally sourced and distributed through the DTI regional office. Pag mga three years na ang weighing scales, we will turn over ang mga ito sa LGUs or palitan pag may sira,” he said. 

Cadena further said the LGUs through the market master will take charge the maintenance, security and operation of the weighing scales. These are mechanical hanging open type 15-kilogram weighing scales with protective steel cages.

The project is under Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines to encourage and promote fair transactions and protect the consumers from unfair and deceptive sales practices.